CVE-2012-0018 in Visio
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Visio Viewer 2010 Gold and SP1 does not properly validate attributes in Visio files, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted file, aka "VSD File Format Memory Corruption Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0018 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft Visio Viewer 2010 Gold and Service Pack 1 implementations. This weakness stems from inadequate validation of attributes within Visio file formats, specifically affecting the .vsd file extension that is commonly used for diagramming and visualization purposes. The vulnerability exists in the file parsing mechanism that processes Visio documents, creating an avenue for malicious actors to exploit the software through specially crafted Visio files.
This memory corruption vulnerability operates through a classic buffer overflow or heap corruption mechanism where the Visio Viewer application fails to properly validate the structure and attributes of Visio files before processing them. When a maliciously constructed Visio file is opened, the application's parsing routine encounters malformed or oversized attribute values that exceed expected memory boundaries, leading to unpredictable behavior including arbitrary code execution. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it allows remote code execution without requiring user interaction beyond opening the malicious file, making it a prime target for social engineering campaigns and automated exploitation attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to systems running vulnerable Visio Viewer versions, potentially establishing persistent backdoors or deploying additional malware payloads. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely heavily on Visio documents for business processes, making it particularly concerning for enterprises where diagram files are frequently shared and opened by multiple users. The attack vector is particularly insidious because Visio files are commonly used in professional environments, making them likely targets for spear-phishing campaigns that exploit the trust associated with legitimate business documents.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability also maps to several ATT&CK techniques including initial access through malicious files and execution through legitimate system processes. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling Visio Viewer functionality where possible, implementing strict file validation policies, and ensuring all systems are updated with Microsoft security patches. Network segmentation and email filtering solutions should be enhanced to detect and block suspicious Visio file attachments. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in software development, particularly for applications that process external file formats. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for outdated Visio Viewer installations to prevent exploitation attempts targeting this specific weakness.