CVE-2010-2570 in Publisher
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in pubconv.dll (aka the Publisher Converter DLL) in Microsoft Publisher 2002 SP3, 2003 SP3, 2007 SP2, and 2010 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted Publisher file that uses an old file format, aka "Heap Overrun in pubconv.dll Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2021
The heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in pubconv.dll represents a critical security flaw affecting multiple versions of Microsoft Publisher software. This vulnerability resides within the Publisher Converter DLL component that handles conversion of older Publisher file formats, specifically targeting the legacy file format processing capabilities. The flaw manifests when the application processes malformed Publisher files that exploit memory allocation inconsistencies in the heap memory management system. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting malicious Publisher documents that trigger the buffer overflow during file conversion operations, potentially enabling remote code execution on vulnerable systems.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the memory allocation routines of pubconv.dll. When processing crafted Publisher files, the application fails to validate the size of data structures before copying them into fixed-size heap buffers. This classic heap overflow condition occurs because the converter does not properly sanitize input data from the legacy file format, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious payload data. The vulnerability specifically affects versions including Publisher 2002 SP3, 2003 SP3, 2007 SP2, and 2010, indicating this flaw was present across a significant portion of Microsoft's Publisher product line. The heap overrun condition creates exploitable memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution capabilities, as it represents a persistent threat vector for attackers targeting Microsoft Office environments. The vulnerability's ability to trigger through legacy file format processing means that even users who have migrated to newer versions may still be at risk if they encounter or open malicious files created with older Publisher formats. Attackers can craft malicious Publisher documents that appear legitimate but contain oversized data structures designed to overflow the heap buffers in pubconv.dll. The exploitation potential is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently open compromised Publisher files through email attachments, shared network drives, or document repositories. This vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the mitre attack framework under the technique of "Exploitation for Client Execution" and can be classified as a CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of Microsoft security patches and updates to address the heap overflow condition in pubconv.dll. Organizations should prioritize deployment of the relevant security updates from Microsoft that specifically address this vulnerability, as the flaw affects multiple versions of the software across different release cycles. System administrators should implement network segmentation and file validation measures to prevent unauthorized access to Publisher files and restrict the execution of potentially malicious documents. The vulnerability's classification as a heap-based buffer overflow (CWE-121) suggests that memory protection mechanisms such as data execution prevention and address space layout randomization should be enabled to limit exploitation success. Additionally, user education regarding the dangers of opening untrusted Publisher files and implementing strict file type controls in email and document management systems can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of Publisher applications in high-risk environments until proper patching is completed.