CVE-2014-2815 in OneNote
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft OneNote 2007 SP3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted OneNote file that triggers creation of an executable file in a startup folder, aka "OneNote Remote Code Execution Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2815 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Microsoft OneNote 2007 Service Pack 3 that enables attackers to gain unauthorized system access through maliciously crafted OneNote files. This vulnerability operates by exploiting the application's handling of specially crafted .one files that contain embedded malicious content designed to trigger automatic execution when the file is opened. The flaw specifically targets the application's startup folder functionality, where it creates and executes malicious executable files that persist across system reboots, effectively establishing a persistent foothold for attackers.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and unsafe file processing within the OneNote application. When a malicious .one file is opened, the application fails to properly sanitize the file contents before processing them, allowing attackers to inject code that gets executed in the context of the user running OneNote. This particular weakness creates a path for privilege escalation attacks as the malicious code executes with the privileges of the currently logged-in user, potentially enabling full system compromise if that user possesses administrative rights. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-74 standard for "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it enables attackers to establish persistent access through the startup folder mechanism that automatically executes malicious payloads at system boot time. This persistence capability allows adversaries to maintain control over compromised systems without requiring repeated exploitation attempts. The vulnerability affects enterprise environments particularly severely since OneNote is widely deployed across organizations and users may inadvertently open malicious files from email attachments, shared network drives, or other untrusted sources. The attack vector is especially dangerous in environments where users have administrative privileges, as the malicious code can leverage these elevated permissions to install additional malware, modify system configurations, or exfiltrate sensitive data.
Organizations should prioritize immediate mitigation through Microsoft's security patches and updates, as well as implement network-level controls to monitor and restrict access to potentially malicious OneNote files. Administrative users should be educated about the risks of opening untrusted OneNote files, and organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized executable files from running in startup folders. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure file handling practices in preventing privilege escalation attacks, and organizations should review their security configurations to ensure that automatic execution of files from startup folders is properly restricted. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file creation patterns in startup directories and unusual OneNote process behaviors that may indicate exploitation attempts.