CVE-2010-2563 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Word 97 text converter in the WordPad Text Converters in Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3 and Server 2003 SP2 does not properly parse malformed structures in Word 97 documents, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted document containing an unspecified value that is used in a loop counter, aka "WordPad Word 97 Text Converter Memory Corruption Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2563 represents a critical memory corruption issue within Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 and 3, as well as Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 systems. This flaw resides in the WordPad Text Converters component that handles Word 97 document formats, specifically the Word 97 text converter module. The vulnerability manifests when the system processes malformed Word 97 documents that contain improperly structured data elements. The core technical issue stems from insufficient input validation within the parsing mechanism of the WordPad converter, which fails to properly handle malformed structures that are typically encountered in Word 97 format files. This inadequate validation creates a condition where attacker-controlled data can manipulate internal processing loops within the converter.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote code execution attacks without requiring user interaction or authentication. Attackers can craft malicious Word 97 documents containing specific malformed structures that trigger the memory corruption when processed by the vulnerable WordPad converter. The vulnerability specifically exploits an unspecified value used in a loop counter, which leads to unpredictable memory behavior and potential code execution. This memory corruption occurs during the text conversion process when the converter attempts to parse the malformed Word 97 document structure, causing the application to behave erratically and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running WordPad. The vulnerability affects systems running Windows XP SP2 and SP3, as well as Windows Server 2003 SP2, making it particularly dangerous given the widespread deployment of these operating systems in enterprise environments. The flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of memory corruption vulnerabilities that can be exploited through improper input handling. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it allows remote attackers to exploit a vulnerability in a commonly accessible application component.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2563 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from Microsoft, as the company released security updates specifically addressing this vulnerability. System administrators should disable or remove the WordPad Text Converters functionality where possible, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted Word documents. Network-based mitigations include implementing content filtering solutions that scan for and block potentially malicious Word 97 documents, while endpoint protection measures should include updated antivirus signatures that can detect exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of untrusted Office documents and establish robust document handling procedures that require manual verification of suspicious files. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in software development, particularly for applications that process external data formats. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in legacy systems, while user education regarding the dangers of opening untrusted Office documents remains critical for overall security posture. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, as the vulnerability could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive systems and data.