CVE-2012-0165 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
GDI+ in Microsoft Windows Vista SP2 and Server 2008 SP2 and Office 2003 SP3, 2007 SP2 and SP3, and 2010 Gold and SP1 does not properly validate record types in EMF images, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted image, aka "GDI+ Record Type Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0165 represents a critical flaw in Microsoft's Graphics Device Interface Plus implementation within Windows operating systems and Office applications. This weakness specifically affects GDI+ components that process Enhanced Metafile (EMF) image formats, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of record types within EMF image structures, allowing malicious actors to craft specially designed images that exploit this validation gap. The affected systems include Windows Vista SP2 and Server 2008 SP2, along with various Office versions including 2003 SP3, 2007 SP2 and SP3, and 2010 Gold and SP1, making it a widespread concern across multiple Microsoft product lines. The flaw operates at the core level of graphics processing, where the system fails to properly verify the integrity of EMF record structures before processing them.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a user opens or previews a maliciously crafted EMF image file, either through email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing mechanisms. The underlying issue lies in the improper validation of EMF record types during image parsing, where the GDI+ component does not adequately check the type field of EMF records before executing associated operations. This validation failure creates a buffer overflow condition or memory corruption scenario that attackers can leverage to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of the affected application. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations, both of which are common consequences of improper input validation in graphics processing components. Attackers can construct EMF files with malformed record types that cause the GDI+ parser to jump to unintended memory locations or overwrite critical system structures.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-0165 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with elevated privileges and persistent access to affected systems. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to gain the same privileges as the user running the vulnerable application, potentially enabling full system compromise. The attack surface is broad given that EMF images can be embedded in various file formats, including Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, and email attachments, making the attack vector highly versatile. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered automatically when users preview images in email clients or web browsers, requiring minimal user interaction beyond opening the malicious content. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploitation of remote services and user interaction to achieve initial access. The vulnerability also fits within ATT&CK tactic TA0002, which covers execution, as it enables arbitrary code execution in legitimate applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0165 require a multi-layered approach combining immediate patch deployment with operational security measures. Microsoft released security updates addressing this vulnerability through the regular Windows Update and Office Update mechanisms, which users should install immediately. Organizations should implement strict file type filtering and validation for EMF and related image formats, particularly in email gateways and web applications. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can help prevent automatic execution of potentially malicious files. Security awareness training for users to recognize suspicious email attachments and web content is crucial, as social engineering remains a primary delivery method. System monitoring should focus on unusual GDI+ process behavior and memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation in graphics processing libraries and demonstrates how seemingly benign file format handling can become a critical security concern. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for image preview operations and regularly review their security configurations to ensure that legacy components like GDI+ are properly maintained and patched according to Microsoft's security advisory cycles.