CVE-2012-0137 in Visio Viewer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Visio Viewer 2010 Gold and SP1 does not properly handle memory during the parsing of files, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted attributes in a Visio file, aka "VSD File Format Memory Corruption Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2012-0019, CVE-2012-0020, CVE-2012-0136, and CVE-2012-0138.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0137 represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Visio Viewer 2010 Gold and Service Pack 1 versions. This vulnerability specifically affects the file format parsing mechanism within the Visio Viewer application, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks. The flaw manifests when the application processes Visio files containing maliciously crafted attributes that trigger improper memory handling during the parsing process. Security researchers have classified this as a distinct vulnerability from other related issues such as CVE-2012-0019, CVE-2012-0020, CVE-2012-0136, and CVE-2012-0138, emphasizing its unique exploitation vectors and technical characteristics.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory management within the Visio file format parser. When a malicious Visio file is opened, the viewer application fails to properly validate or sanitize the attributes contained within the VSD file structure, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by attackers. This memory corruption occurs during the parsing phase where the application attempts to process malformed or specially crafted attributes that exceed expected memory boundaries or manipulate memory pointers incorrectly. The vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category of memory corruption issues, specifically related to improper handling of memory during file processing operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-0137 is severe, as it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems without requiring user interaction beyond opening a malicious Visio file. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may encounter malicious documents through email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing systems. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain full system control, install malware, or establish persistent access points within the network. The vulnerability affects Windows operating systems running Microsoft Visio Viewer 2010, making it a significant concern for organizations that rely on Visio file processing capabilities. The remote exploitation nature means that attackers do not need physical access to target systems, allowing for widespread compromise through network-based attacks.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the official Microsoft security patches released for this vulnerability, which address the memory handling issues in the Visio file parser. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and email filtering solutions to prevent users from accessing potentially malicious Visio files. The mitigation strategies should align with the ATT&CK framework's techniques for defensive measures, particularly focusing on application whitelisting and process monitoring to detect anomalous behavior during file processing. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening untrusted Visio files and the importance of keeping software updated to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to ensure that systems remain protected against similar memory corruption vulnerabilities that may emerge in other Microsoft applications or third-party software components.