CVE-2010-2750 in Word
Summary
by MITRE
Array index error in Microsoft Word 2002 SP3 and Office 2004 for Mac allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted Word document that triggers memory corruption, aka "Word Index Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/26/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2750 represents a critical array index error in Microsoft Word 2002 SP3 and Office 2004 for Mac applications that creates a pathway for remote code execution. This flaw exists within the document processing engine where improper bounds checking allows an attacker to manipulate array indices during document parsing, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to execute malicious code. The vulnerability specifically affects versions of Microsoft Office that handle structured document formats, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where these applications are commonly deployed. The issue stems from insufficient validation of array bounds when processing crafted Word documents, which creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory layouts and gain unauthorized execution privileges. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-129 category of Improper Validation of Array Index, which directly relates to the fundamental principle that array accesses must be validated against their declared bounds to prevent memory corruption. The attack vector requires a remote attacker to craft a malicious Word document that when opened by an affected system triggers the exploitable condition, making it particularly insidious as it can be delivered through email attachments or web downloads without requiring user interaction beyond opening the document.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the attacker's ability to construct a Word document containing malformed array references that will cause the application to access memory outside of its intended bounds. When Microsoft Word processes such a document, the application's memory management routines fail to properly validate the indices used for accessing internal arrays, leading to buffer overflows or other memory corruption conditions. The resulting memory corruption can be leveraged to overwrite critical program execution pointers or return addresses, enabling attackers to redirect code execution flow to malicious payloads. This vulnerability demonstrates the classic characteristics of a memory corruption exploit that operates within the context of Microsoft Office applications, where the attacker's payload can be executed with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable software. The exploitation process typically involves precise manipulation of document structures to ensure that array indices fall into ranges that cause memory corruption, followed by careful crafting of the payload to achieve code execution. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that Word documents are commonly shared and opened by users across different systems, making it an attractive target for widespread exploitation campaigns.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-2750 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass significant risks for enterprise security and data integrity. Organizations running affected versions of Microsoft Office are particularly vulnerable to targeted attacks that could result in complete system compromise, data theft, or lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it without requiring physical access to target systems, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users regularly open email attachments or download documents from untrusted sources. Security professionals must consider the implications of this vulnerability within the broader ATT&CK framework, particularly in the execution and privilege escalation phases where attackers can leverage such memory corruption flaws to establish persistent access. The vulnerability affects not just individual users but entire organizations that rely on Microsoft Word for document processing, creating cascading security risks that extend beyond immediate exploitation to include potential data loss, system compromise, and regulatory compliance violations. Organizations that have not patched affected systems remain at risk of sophisticated attacks that can bypass traditional security controls and establish footholds within their networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2750 should encompass both immediate defensive measures and long-term remediation approaches to address the underlying vulnerability. The most effective immediate mitigation involves applying Microsoft security patches that correct the array index validation logic in affected Office versions, ensuring that all array accesses are properly bounded before memory operations occur. Organizations should also implement restrictive document handling policies that limit the opening of Word documents from untrusted sources, particularly through email systems and web portals where attackers commonly deliver malicious payloads. Network-based defenses including email filtering, web proxies, and application control measures can help prevent the delivery and execution of malicious documents before they reach end-user systems. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of untrusted Office documents, combined with regular security awareness training for users to recognize potentially malicious attachments. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-129 highlights the importance of implementing robust input validation and bounds checking throughout application code, which should be considered when developing or reviewing security controls for document processing applications. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify other potential memory corruption vulnerabilities in their Microsoft Office deployments and ensure comprehensive patch management processes are in place to address similar issues as they emerge.