CVE-2010-0261 in Office
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in Microsoft Office Excel 2007 SP1 and SP2 and Office Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 File Formats SP1 and SP2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted spreadsheet in which "a MDXSET record is broken up into several records," aka "Microsoft Office Excel MDXSET Record Heap Overflow Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/02/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0261 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow affecting Microsoft Office Excel 2007 Service Pack 1 and 2, as well as the Office Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 File Formats Service Pack 1 and 2. This flaw specifically manifests when processing malformed spreadsheet files containing MDXSET records that have been fragmented across multiple records, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations in the application's heap memory space. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking during the parsing of complex data structures within the Office file format processing engine, particularly when handling multidimensional expressions used in data analysis and reporting within Excel.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of MDXSET records within Excel's proprietary file format, where the application fails to properly validate the size and structure of fragmented records during parsing operations. When Excel encounters a crafted spreadsheet containing these malformed MDXSET records, the parsing routine attempts to allocate memory for the record data without sufficient validation of the record boundaries, leading to a situation where data written beyond the allocated buffer space can overwrite adjacent heap memory. This heap corruption can result in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable Office application, potentially allowing remote attackers to gain complete control over affected systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a sophisticated attack vector that can be leveraged for privilege escalation and persistent system compromise. Attackers can craft malicious spreadsheets that appear legitimate to unsuspecting users, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in corporate environments where spreadsheet files are frequently shared and opened. The vulnerability affects not only the primary Office applications but also the compatibility pack that allows older Office versions to open newer file formats, expanding the potential attack surface. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through Microsoft Office applications, demonstrating how file format vulnerabilities can be weaponized for initial access and lateral movement within networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0261 should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security updates and patches, which address the underlying buffer overflow condition in the Office file parsing routines. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies that prevent execution of untrusted Office files, particularly those received via email or downloaded from untrusted sources. Network-based defenses should include content filtering solutions that can detect and block malicious Office files based on known signatures and behavioral patterns. Additionally, users should be trained to avoid opening suspicious spreadsheet files and to maintain current antivirus definitions that can identify crafted malicious files. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping Office applications updated and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that include application whitelisting, user access controls, and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in legacy Office applications that may continue to be used in enterprise environments.