CVE-2014-6332 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
OleAut32.dll in OLE in Microsoft Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, and Windows RT Gold and 8.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web site, as demonstrated by an array-redimensioning attempt that triggers improper handling of a size value in the SafeArrayDimen function, aka "Windows OLE Automation Array Remote Code Execution Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-6332 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Microsoft Windows OLE automation components, specifically affecting a wide range of operating systems from Windows Server 2003 through Windows 8.1. This vulnerability resides in the OleAut32.dll library which is part of the OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) automation framework that enables applications to communicate and share data through COM (Component Object Model) interfaces. The flaw manifests when a malicious website attempts to manipulate OLE automation arrays through improper handling of size values in the SafeArrayDimen function, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can trigger arbitrary code execution on vulnerable systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a specific code path involving array redimensioning operations within OLE automation. When a web browser encounters a maliciously crafted webpage containing specially crafted OLE automation objects, the SafeArrayDimen function processes attacker-controlled size parameters without proper validation. This improper handling creates memory corruption conditions that allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable application. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the browser's ability to process OLE objects, making it exploitable through standard web browsing activities without requiring special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-6332 extends across multiple Windows operating systems and server versions, affecting both desktop and server environments with significant implications for enterprise security. Systems running affected versions of Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and their respective service pack combinations are all vulnerable to this attack vector. The vulnerability's exploitation capability means that attackers can gain full system compromise through simple web browsing activities, making it particularly attractive for widespread deployment in malware campaigns. Organizations with legacy systems running these vulnerable operating systems face elevated risk of persistent compromise and data exfiltration.
This vulnerability maps to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation of remote services. The attack surface is particularly broad given that OLE automation is deeply integrated into Windows applications and browsers, making it difficult to completely isolate from potential exploitation. Microsoft addressed this vulnerability through security updates that corrected the improper handling of array dimensions in the SafeArrayDimen function, requiring system administrators to deploy patches promptly to protect their environments. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation, web filtering solutions, and user education to reduce exposure while awaiting patch deployment, as the vulnerability can be exploited through standard web browsing without user interaction beyond visiting malicious websites.