CVE-2010-3950 in Office
Summary
by MITRE
The TIFF image converter in the graphics filters in Microsoft Office XP SP3, Office Converter Pack, and Works 9 does not properly convert data, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted TIFF image in an Office document, aka "TIFF Image Converter Memory Corruption Vulnerability."
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2021
The TIFF image converter vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3950 represents a critical memory corruption flaw affecting multiple Microsoft Office products including Office XP SP3, the Office Converter Pack, and Works 9. This vulnerability resides within the graphics filters component that processes TIFF image formats, creating a pathway for remote code execution or denial of service attacks when maliciously crafted TIFF images are embedded in Office documents. The flaw demonstrates the inherent risks associated with image format processing within office applications, where the conversion process fails to properly validate or sanitize input data, leading to potential exploitation through specially crafted malicious files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper data conversion handling within the TIFF image processing pipeline. When Microsoft Office applications encounter a TIFF image embedded in a document, the graphics filter attempts to convert the image format for internal processing. However, the converter does not adequately validate the structure and content of the TIFF file, allowing attackers to craft malicious TIFF images that contain malformed data or oversized structures. This improper validation leads to memory corruption conditions where buffer overflows or other memory management errors occur during the conversion process, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the compromised application.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-3950 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass significant security implications for enterprise environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by embedding malicious TIFF images in various Office document formats such as Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, or PowerPoint presentations, making it particularly dangerous in targeted phishing campaigns or social engineering attacks. The vulnerability affects multiple Microsoft Office versions and products, amplifying its potential impact across different organizational systems. When exploited, the vulnerability can result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or service disruption, while the denial of service component can be used to disrupt business operations through application crashes or system instability.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1203, involving legitimate user tools and utilities for exploitation. The memory corruption aspect of the vulnerability fits within the broader category of memory safety issues that have historically plagued software applications, particularly those handling multimedia file formats. Organizations should implement layered defenses including email filtering solutions that block suspicious Office documents containing embedded images, network segmentation to limit lateral movement, and regular security updates to address known vulnerabilities. The incident underscores the importance of input validation and proper memory management practices in software development, particularly for components that process untrusted data from external sources. Microsoft addressed this vulnerability through security updates, but the flaw highlights the ongoing challenge of securing complex software ecosystems where third-party libraries and format converters introduce additional attack surfaces.