CVE-2010-0256 in Visio
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Office Visio 2002 SP2, 2003 SP3, and 2007 SP1 and SP2 does not properly calculate unspecified indexes associated with Visio files, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted file, aka "Visio Index Calculation Memory Corruption Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0256 represents a critical memory corruption flaw affecting multiple versions of Microsoft Office Visio software. This vulnerability stems from improper index calculation mechanisms within the Visio file processing engine, specifically when handling certain file structures that contain malformed or crafted index values. The flaw exists in Visio 2002 SP2, Visio 2003 SP3, and Visio 2007 SP1 and SP2 editions, making it a widespread issue across the Visio product line. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions where an application attempts to access memory beyond the bounds of a buffer, and is particularly relevant to the ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation of software vulnerabilities for code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when Visio processes Visio files that contain specially crafted index values that cause the application to miscalculate memory boundaries during file parsing operations. When the Visio application attempts to access these improperly calculated indexes, it can result in memory corruption that may be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running Visio. The flaw specifically manifests during the processing of Visio files where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize index values, leading to potential buffer overflows or other memory corruption scenarios. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through simple file manipulation without requiring user interaction beyond opening the malicious file, making it susceptible to automated exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks within targeted environments. Remote attackers can craft Visio files that, when opened by vulnerable systems, will trigger the memory corruption and allow for arbitrary code execution. This capability enables attackers to potentially install malware, establish backdoors, or escalate privileges within the compromised system. The vulnerability's remote exploitability makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Visio files may be shared through email attachments, file servers, or web-based collaboration platforms. Security researchers have noted that the vulnerability can be leveraged in phishing campaigns where attackers send malicious Visio files to unsuspecting users, taking advantage of the widespread use of Visio in business environments for diagramming and technical documentation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0256 should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security updates that address the index calculation flaw in affected Visio versions. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies that prevent users from opening Visio files from untrusted sources, particularly those received via email or downloaded from unknown websites. Network segmentation and email filtering solutions should be configured to block Visio files from suspicious sources, while regular security awareness training should educate users about the dangers of opening unknown or unexpected Visio files. Additionally, administrators should consider disabling Visio file processing in web browsers and email clients where possible, and implement application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted Visio files. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping software updated and maintaining robust security controls around document processing applications that handle complex file formats.