CVE-2010-0822 in Excel
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Microsoft Office Excel 2002 SP3, Office 2004 for Mac, Office 2008 for Mac, and Open XML File Format Converter for Mac allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an Excel file with a crafted OBJ (0x5D) record, aka "Excel Object Stack Overflow Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2024
The CVE-2010-0822 vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw affecting multiple Microsoft Office versions including Excel 2002 SP3, Office 2004 for Mac, Office 2008 for Mac, and the Open XML File Format Converter for Mac. This vulnerability specifically targets the handling of OBJ records within Excel files, where the maliciously crafted 0x5D record triggers the buffer overflow condition. The flaw operates at the binary parsing level of Excel's file processing engine, exploiting improper bounds checking during the interpretation of structured data within spreadsheet files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of Excel's object model through specially crafted binary data structures. When Excel processes an infected file containing the malicious OBJ record with the 0x5D identifier, the application fails to properly validate the size and boundaries of the data being read into stack memory. This insufficient validation allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations, potentially corrupting the instruction pointer and enabling arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue that has been consistently exploited in various software applications over decades.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway to achieve complete system compromise when users open malicious Excel files. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be delivered through email attachments, web downloads, or malicious file shares, making it highly effective for social engineering campaigns. Successful exploitation allows threat actors to execute malicious code with the privileges of the compromised user, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system persistence, or further network infiltration. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.005 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as the compromised system can be used to execute additional payloads or commands.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0822 require immediate patch deployment from Microsoft, as the vulnerability was addressed through security updates released in March 2010. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies, particularly for Excel files received from external sources, and consider disabling macro execution in Excel environments where possible. Network security controls including email filtering and web proxy configurations can help prevent the delivery of malicious files to end users. Additionally, user education about the risks of opening unknown Excel files and maintaining up-to-date software patches remains critical for defense-in-depth approaches. The vulnerability demonstrates the persistent nature of buffer overflow exploits in office productivity software, reinforcing the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs that address both known and emerging threats in enterprise environments.