CVE-2010-1248 in Excel
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Microsoft Office Excel 2002 SP3 and Office 2004 for Mac allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an Excel file with a malformed HFPicture (0x866) record, aka "Excel HFPicture Memory Corruption Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2021
The CVE-2010-1248 vulnerability represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in Microsoft Office Excel 2002 SP3 and Office 2004 for Mac applications. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the handling of HFPicture (0x866) records in Excel file formats, creating a memory corruption condition that can be exploited by remote attackers. The flaw specifically manifests when the application processes malformed Excel files containing specially crafted HFPicture records, leading to unpredictable memory behavior that adversaries can leverage for code execution. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, representing a fundamental memory safety issue that has been a persistent concern in software development practices. This type of vulnerability falls within the ATT&CK technique T1059.005 for command and scripting interpreter, as exploitation typically involves executing malicious code through compromised applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the Excel application's failure to properly validate the size and structure of HFPicture records during file parsing operations. When an attacker crafts an Excel file containing an oversized or malformed HFPicture record with the specific identifier 0x866, the application's memory management routines become susceptible to overflow conditions. The buffer overflow occurs in the application's memory allocation and data processing mechanisms, where insufficient bounds checking allows attacker-controlled data to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This memory corruption can overwrite critical program execution pointers, return addresses, or other control data structures, enabling attackers to redirect program flow and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through simple file attachment and opening operations, requiring no special user interaction beyond normal application usage.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-1248 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to affected systems and enables more sophisticated attack vectors. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows remote code execution that can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms. Organizations running affected versions of Microsoft Office Excel face significant risk exposure, particularly in environments where users frequently open Excel files from untrusted sources. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can deliver malicious payloads through email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing mechanisms without requiring physical access to target systems. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1193 for Spearphishing Attachment, where attackers can leverage the vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to enterprise networks through targeted email campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1248 should focus on both immediate defensive measures and long-term remediation approaches. Microsoft released security updates addressing this vulnerability through their regular patching cycles, and organizations should prioritize deployment of the applicable security updates. Network-based protections such as email filtering, web application firewalls, and file content inspection can help prevent exploitation attempts by blocking suspicious Excel files containing malformed HFPicture records. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting user permissions can limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices, aligning with industry standards such as the CERT/CC secure coding guidelines and the OWASP Top Ten security principles. Organizations should also consider implementing comprehensive vulnerability management programs that include regular security assessments, penetration testing, and security awareness training to address similar vulnerabilities in their software ecosystems.