CVE-2010-2572 in PowerPoint
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Microsoft PowerPoint 2002 SP3 and 2003 SP3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted PowerPoint 95 document, aka "PowerPoint Parsing Buffer Overflow Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2572 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in Microsoft PowerPoint 2002 Service Pack 3 and PowerPoint 2003 Service Pack 3 applications. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation within the PowerPoint parsing engine when processing PowerPoint 95 format files. The vulnerability specifically affects the handling of malformed or crafted PowerPoint 95 documents that contain excessive data in certain fields, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by remote attackers. The flaw exists in the legacy file format parsing logic that was designed to maintain backward compatibility with older PowerPoint versions, creating a dangerous intersection between functionality and security. According to CWE-121, this vulnerability falls under the category of stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The issue is particularly concerning because PowerPoint 2002 and 2003 were widely deployed in enterprise environments, making the attack surface extensive and the potential impact severe.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a user opens a maliciously crafted PowerPoint 95 document that contains oversized data structures within specific file headers or metadata sections. When the vulnerable PowerPoint application attempts to parse these malformed elements, it fails to properly validate the size of incoming data buffers, resulting in a classic buffer overflow condition. Attackers can manipulate the file structure to overwrite critical memory areas including return addresses on the stack, enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected user. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it can be delivered through email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing mechanisms, requiring no special privileges beyond user interaction. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to gain execution privileges. The exploitation process typically involves crafting a specially formatted PowerPoint 95 file that triggers the overflow during parsing, potentially allowing attackers to execute malicious payloads such as malware or backdoors directly on the target system.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-2572 extends beyond individual system compromise to encompass broader enterprise security risks. Organizations running legacy PowerPoint 2002 and 2003 installations face significant exposure since these applications were commonly used in business environments where users frequently opened documents from external sources. The vulnerability creates persistent risks for email servers, file sharing systems, and web-based collaboration platforms that might host or deliver PowerPoint documents. Security teams must consider the challenge of identifying and patching vulnerable systems while managing the operational disruption that legacy software replacement might cause. The vulnerability also demonstrates the ongoing risks associated with supporting older software versions, as Microsoft had already moved beyond support for these applications by the time this flaw was discovered. Organizations with legacy systems that cannot be immediately updated face increased risk exposure, particularly in environments where users have administrative privileges or where network segmentation is insufficient to contain potential compromises.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2572 should focus on immediate protective measures while implementing long-term remediation plans. The most effective immediate solution involves applying Microsoft security patches that address the buffer overflow condition in the affected PowerPoint versions. Organizations should also implement strict file type restrictions at network boundaries, particularly blocking PowerPoint 95 format files from entering corporate networks. Email security solutions should be configured to scan and quarantine suspicious PowerPoint documents, especially those from untrusted sources. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs, as users should not have administrative rights on their systems. According to industry best practices and security frameworks, implementing the principle of least privilege combined with regular security updates forms the foundation of effective defense. Organizations should also consider deploying application whitelisting solutions that prevent execution of untrusted PowerPoint files, and establish regular vulnerability assessment programs to identify similar issues in other legacy applications. The remediation process requires careful coordination between IT operations, security teams, and business stakeholders to balance security requirements with operational needs while ensuring comprehensive protection against similar vulnerabilities in other Microsoft Office applications.