CVE-2013-1322 in Publisher 2003
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Publisher 2003 SP3 does not properly check table range data, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted Publisher file, aka "Publisher Invalid Range Check Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1322 represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft Publisher 2003 Service Pack 3 that stems from inadequate validation of table range data structures within the application's processing pipeline. This weakness falls under the category of improper input validation and memory corruption vulnerabilities, specifically manifesting as an issue in how the software handles structured data within Publisher files. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables remote code execution through maliciously crafted publisher documents, making it a prime target for exploit development and cyber attack campaigns.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insufficient validation mechanisms that Microsoft Publisher employs when processing table range data within its document parsing routines. When a malicious Publisher file is opened, the application fails to properly validate the boundaries and dimensions of table ranges, allowing attackers to craft specially formatted data structures that can trigger buffer overflows or other memory corruption conditions. This flaw operates at the intersection of software parsing logic and memory management, where the application's failure to enforce proper range checking creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate the execution flow of the program. The vulnerability can be classified under CWE-129 as "Improper Validation of Array Index" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for "Exploitation for Client Execution" when exploited in the context of user interaction with malicious documents.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass broader security implications for organizations relying on Microsoft Publisher 2003. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running Publisher, potentially leading to full system compromise and lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers can deliver malicious payloads through email attachments, web downloads, or other remote delivery mechanisms without requiring local access to the target system. This makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently open malicious Publisher files, potentially compromising entire networks through a single successful exploitation attempt.
Organizations affected by CVE-2013-1322 should implement immediate mitigations including mandatory application whitelisting policies, email filtering solutions that scan for malicious Publisher files, and user education programs to prevent accidental opening of suspicious documents. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation and deploy endpoint protection solutions that can detect and block malicious file execution patterns. Microsoft has released security updates addressing this vulnerability through their regular patching cycle, and organizations should ensure that all systems running Publisher 2003 SP3 are updated with the latest security patches to eliminate the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and implementing layered security approaches to protect against memory corruption exploits that target legacy applications.