CVE-2013-3157 in Access
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Access 2007 SP3, 2010 SP1 and SP2, and 2013 in Microsoft Office allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted Access file, aka "Access Memory Corruption Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2013-3155.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/24/2021
The CVE-2013-3157 vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Access applications that affects versions 2007 SP3, 2010 SP1 and SP2, and 2013 within the Microsoft Office suite. This vulnerability operates through a sophisticated attack vector where remote adversaries can craft specially malformed Access database files designed to trigger memory corruption when processed by vulnerable applications. The flaw resides in how Microsoft Access handles certain file structures and data parsing operations, creating exploitable conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system instability. Security researchers have identified this as a distinct vulnerability from CVE-2013-3155, indicating separate code paths and exploitation mechanisms that require different mitigation approaches. The vulnerability specifically targets the memory management systems within Access applications, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate heap memory structures and overwrite critical program data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves manipulating specific data structures within Access database files that are processed during application startup or file opening operations. When a maliciously crafted Access file is opened, the application's parsing routines encounter malformed data that triggers unexpected memory behavior, leading to buffer overflows or pointer corruption. This memory corruption can occur during various operations including table creation, query execution, or data import processes that Access performs internally. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered remotely through email attachments, web downloads, or network shares without requiring user interaction beyond opening the file. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations. The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code through file-based attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-3157 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to potentially enable full system compromise when exploited successfully. Organizations running vulnerable versions of Microsoft Access face significant risk from both targeted attacks and automated exploitation attempts. The vulnerability affects not only individual user workstations but also enterprise environments where Access databases are commonly shared and accessed through network resources. Attackers can leverage this flaw to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malware payloads once initial execution is achieved. The memory corruption nature means that system stability is compromised, potentially leading to crashes, data corruption, or complete application failure. In enterprise settings, this vulnerability can disrupt business operations and compromise sensitive data stored in Access databases, particularly those containing financial records, customer information, or proprietary business data. The widespread use of Microsoft Office applications across organizations makes this vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors seeking broad impact.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-3157 require immediate patch management and administrative controls to reduce attack surface. Microsoft released security updates that address this vulnerability through code modifications that improve input validation and memory handling within Access applications. Organizations should prioritize deployment of the relevant security patches and updates from Microsoft's security bulletin releases. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict file validation policies, disabling automatic opening of files from untrusted sources, and configuring application whitelisting solutions to restrict execution of potentially malicious Access files. Network segmentation and email filtering controls can help prevent initial delivery of malicious files to end-user systems. Security teams should also implement monitoring for suspicious file access patterns and anomalous behavior in Access application processes. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and following secure configuration practices for office applications, particularly those that process external data sources. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include verification of Access application versions to ensure compliance with security baselines and reduce exposure to known exploitation techniques.