CVE-2015-1651 in Word
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in Microsoft Word 2007 SP3, Word Viewer, and Office Compatibility Pack SP3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted Office document, aka "Microsoft Office Component Use After Free Vulnerability."
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1651 represents a critical use-after-free flaw affecting Microsoft Word 2007 Service Pack 3 Word Viewer and Office Compatibility Pack Service Pack 3. This security weakness resides within the Microsoft Office component architecture and specifically impacts how the application handles memory management when processing crafted Office documents. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of object references in memory, creating opportunities for malicious code execution through carefully constructed document files.
This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-416, which specifically addresses Use After Free conditions where a program continues to reference memory after it has been freed. The flaw manifests when Microsoft Word processes malformed Office documents containing specially crafted elements that trigger memory deallocation followed by subsequent access to the same memory location. Attackers can exploit this condition by embedding malicious code within seemingly benign Office documents, leveraging the application's failure to properly validate memory references during document parsing operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1651 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it enables remote code execution without requiring user interaction beyond document opening. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently open documents from external sources or email attachments. The attack vector operates through the standard Office document processing pipeline, where the vulnerable component handles various document formats including .doc, .docx, and other Microsoft Office file types. Successful exploitation allows adversaries to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted user, potentially leading to full system compromise.
Security researchers have mapped this vulnerability to the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique T1059.005 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as exploitation typically involves executing malicious payloads through Office applications. The vulnerability also aligns with T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, since it targets client-side applications rather than server components. Organizations should implement layered defensive strategies including email filtering solutions that scan for malicious Office documents, network-based intrusion detection systems that monitor for known exploit patterns, and user education programs that emphasize safe document handling practices. Microsoft addressed this vulnerability through security updates released in March 2015 as part of their regular patching cycle, emphasizing the importance of timely security maintenance for enterprise environments.