CVE-2011-3410 in Office
Summary
by MITRE
Array index error in Microsoft Publisher 2003 SP3, and 2007 SP2 and SP3, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted Publisher file that leverages incorrect handling of values in memory, aka "Publisher Out-of-bounds Array Index Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2025
The CVE-2011-3410 vulnerability represents a critical array index error in Microsoft Publisher 2003 SP3 and 2007 SP2 and SP3 versions that exposes systems to remote code execution attacks. This flaw falls under the CWE-129 weakness category, specifically addressing out-of-bounds array access errors that occur when applications fail to properly validate array indices before accessing memory locations. The vulnerability manifests when Publisher processes maliciously crafted files that contain malformed data structures, particularly those involving array handling within memory management operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits improper bounds checking mechanisms within Publisher's file parsing routines. When the application encounters a specially crafted Publisher file containing malicious array indices, it fails to validate the bounds of array access operations, allowing attackers to manipulate memory pointers and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted user. This type of vulnerability aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter execution, as successful exploitation can lead to full system compromise through code injection attacks. The memory corruption occurs during the parsing of Publisher documents, where the application's handling of certain data structures fails to enforce proper array boundary validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway to establish persistent access within targeted environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through social engineering campaigns that deliver malicious Publisher files via email attachments or compromised websites. The exploitability of CVE-2011-3410 is particularly concerning given that Publisher 2003 and 2007 were widely deployed in enterprise environments, making the attack surface substantial. Organizations running these older versions face significant risk as the vulnerability can be exploited without user interaction once a malicious file is opened, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data exfiltration.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Microsoft Publisher versions through official security updates from Microsoft. Organizations should implement network segmentation and email filtering to prevent delivery of malicious Publisher files to end users. The vulnerability's exploitation can be detected through monitoring for unusual memory access patterns and file parsing activities within network security tools. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of untrusted Publisher files can provide defense-in-depth protection. Security teams should also consider disabling Publisher file handling capabilities in email clients and web browsers to reduce attack surface, while maintaining regular vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially unpatched applications running on the network infrastructure.