CVE-2011-3400 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3 and Server 2003 SP2 do not properly handle OLE objects in memory, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted object in a file, aka "OLE Property Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2025
The CVE-2011-3400 vulnerability represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in Microsoft Windows operating systems that affects Windows XP Service Pack 2 and 3 along with Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) objects within memory structures, creating a significant attack surface that adversaries can exploit to gain unauthorized code execution privileges. The flaw specifically manifests when the system processes malformed OLE property values contained within compound document files, which are commonly encountered in Microsoft Office documents and other file formats that support OLE embedding.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves a classic heap overflow condition that occurs during the parsing of OLE property data structures. When Windows processes a crafted OLE object containing maliciously formatted property values, the system fails to properly validate the size and boundaries of these structures before copying data into allocated memory buffers. This inadequate input validation allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical program data or injecting malicious code that executes with the privileges of the targeted user. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because OLE objects are frequently embedded in common file types such as word processing documents, spreadsheets, and presentation files that users routinely open without suspicion.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3400 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway to establish persistent access to compromised systems. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability enables remote code execution that can be leveraged for various malicious activities including data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and establishment of backdoors. The attack vector typically involves luring victims into opening specially crafted files that contain the malicious OLE objects, often delivered through phishing emails, malicious websites, or compromised file-sharing networks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 by enabling malicious code execution through legitimate system processes and represents a classic example of a remote code execution vulnerability categorized under CWE-121 Heap-based Buffer Overflow.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3400 require a multi-layered approach combining immediate patch management with defensive operational measures. Microsoft released security updates that address the vulnerability by correcting the OLE property parsing logic and implementing proper input validation for memory allocation operations. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the relevant security patches, as this vulnerability was actively exploited in the wild during its active period. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict file validation policies that scan incoming documents for potentially malicious OLE structures, disabling automatic execution of embedded objects in email clients and web browsers, and employing application whitelisting solutions to restrict execution of untrusted code. Network-based defenses such as intrusion detection systems can also be configured to monitor for patterns associated with exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing comprehensive security awareness training to prevent users from inadvertently executing malicious files.