CVE-2013-4565 in ppthtml
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the __OLEdecode function in ppthtml 0.5.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted .ppt file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/12/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4565 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw within the ppthtml library version 0.5.1 and earlier. This issue resides in the __OLEdecode function which processes Microsoft PowerPoint files, specifically targeting the handling of .ppt file formats. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices during the decoding process of OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) structures within PowerPoint presentations. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting maliciously formatted .ppt files that trigger the buffer overflow when the vulnerable library attempts to decode the malformed data structure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic heap overflow condition where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to write data beyond the allocated memory buffer. When ppthtml processes a crafted PowerPoint file, the __OLEdecode function fails to properly validate the size of incoming data structures, leading to memory corruption that can result in program termination or arbitrary code execution. This flaw operates at the intersection of memory safety issues and file format parsing, making it particularly dangerous in environments where PowerPoint files are routinely processed. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the widespread use of PowerPoint files in corporate and educational environments, creating numerous potential attack vectors.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations that process PowerPoint files automatically or through web-based interfaces. The remote exploitation capability means attackers can trigger the vulnerability without physical access to systems, making it particularly concerning for web applications that accept file uploads or for email systems that process attachments. The potential for arbitrary code execution provides attackers with persistent access to compromised systems, while the denial of service component can disrupt critical operations. This vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the ATT&CK framework under initial access and execution tactics, particularly leveraging malicious file attachments as delivery mechanisms.
The security implications extend beyond immediate exploitation as this vulnerability demonstrates poor software engineering practices in memory management and input validation. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems and implement defensive measures such as file type restrictions, content scanning, and network segmentation to limit potential damage. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow highlights fundamental issues in software development practices that require comprehensive code review processes. Mitigation strategies should include not only updating to patched versions of ppthtml but also implementing robust input validation, sandboxing file processing operations, and monitoring for suspicious file handling activities. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing automated threat detection systems that can identify potential exploitation attempts through anomalous file processing patterns or memory access violations.