CVE-2010-2747 in Word
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Word 2002 SP3 and Office 2004 for Mac do not properly handle an uninitialized pointer during parsing of a Word document, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted document that triggers memory corruption, aka "Word Uninitialized Pointer Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/26/2021
The CVE-2010-2747 vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Word 2002 SP3 and Office 2004 for Mac applications. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of uninitialized pointers during the parsing process of Word documents, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks. The flaw occurs when the application encounters a specially crafted document that triggers memory corruption through the manipulation of uninitialized memory pointers, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized code execution privileges on affected systems.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-457, which describes the use of uninitialized variables in software systems. The vulnerability specifically manifests when Word processes malformed document structures where pointer variables are not properly initialized before being used in memory operations. This uninitialized pointer behavior creates exploitable conditions that can be leveraged by remote attackers to manipulate memory layout and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted user. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no user interaction beyond opening a malicious document, making it highly effective for phishing campaigns and targeted attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-2747 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to compromised systems. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows adversaries to install backdoors, steal sensitive data, or establish command and control channels without detection. The vulnerability's remote exploit capability means attackers can target users across network boundaries, potentially compromising entire enterprise networks if multiple systems are running vulnerable versions of Microsoft Office. Organizations with legacy systems running Word 2002 or Office 2004 for Mac face significant risk exposure, as these applications are no longer receiving security updates from Microsoft, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of defense against this vulnerability, including immediate patching of affected systems, network segmentation to limit lateral movement, and enhanced email filtering to prevent delivery of malicious documents. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management practices in software development, particularly in applications that process untrusted data from external sources. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and user education programs to reduce the risk of successful exploitation through social engineering attacks that deliver malicious documents. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1078 (Valid Accounts) techniques, as successful exploitation enables attackers to execute commands and potentially maintain persistent access to compromised systems.