CVE-2010-1253 in Excel
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Office Excel 2002 SP3, 2007 SP1, and SP2; Office 2004 for mac; Office 2008 for Mac; Open XML File Format Converter for Mac; and Office Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 File Formats SP1 and SP2; allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an Excel file with crafted DBQueryExt records that allow a function call to a "user-controlled pointer," aka "Excel ADO Object Vulnerability."
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1253 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in Microsoft Office Excel applications that affects multiple versions across different platforms including Windows and macOS operating systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the handling of DBQueryExt records within Excel files, creating a pathway for remote code execution through maliciously crafted spreadsheet documents. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation when processing these particular records, allowing attackers to manipulate memory operations through controlled pointer references that ultimately lead to arbitrary code execution on vulnerable systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of an ActiveX Data Objects (ADO) component within Excel's file processing pipeline where DBQueryExt records are improperly validated and processed. When Excel encounters these crafted records during file parsing, the application fails to properly bounds-check memory allocations, resulting in a heap overflow condition that can be leveraged to overwrite critical memory locations. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121 Heap-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a critical weakness in software security architecture. The vulnerability operates through the ATT&CK technique of Valid Account Access followed by Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers can execute malicious code through the compromised Excel application process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across enterprise environments where Microsoft Office applications are widely deployed, particularly affecting organizations that process external spreadsheet files or receive documents from untrusted sources. Attackers can craft malicious Excel files that appear legitimate but contain embedded DBQueryExt records designed to trigger the buffer overflow when opened by vulnerable applications. This vulnerability is especially dangerous in phishing campaigns where attackers can deliver malicious documents that automatically execute code upon opening, bypassing many traditional security controls. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it requires no user interaction beyond opening the malicious file, making it particularly effective for targeted attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1253 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, as the vulnerability was addressed through official service packs and security bulletins. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies that scan and quarantine suspicious spreadsheet files before they reach end users, particularly focusing on files with embedded database query records. Network-based security controls including email filtering and web proxies should be configured to block potentially malicious Office documents from entering the network perimeter. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of verifying document sources and avoiding opening attachments from unknown senders. System hardening measures including disabling unnecessary ActiveX controls and implementing application whitelisting can further reduce the attack surface, while regular security assessments should verify that all Office installations have been properly updated to prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.