CVE-2015-2545 in Office
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Office 2007 SP3, 2010 SP2, 2013 SP1, and 2013 RT SP1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted EPS image, aka "Microsoft Office Malformed EPS File Vulnerability."
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2545 represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft Office products that affects versions including Office 2007 SP3, 2010 SP2, 2013 SP1, and 2013 RT SP1. This vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) image files within the Office application suite, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks. The flaw specifically manifests when Office applications process maliciously crafted EPS files, which can be embedded in various Office document formats such as Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, or Excel spreadsheets. The vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-121, classified as a buffer overflow condition that occurs when a program writes data beyond the boundaries of a fixed-length buffer, and it aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploiting vulnerabilities in software applications to gain execution privileges.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves the improper handling of EPS image data structures within Microsoft Office applications. When an Office document containing a crafted EPS file is opened, the application attempts to render the image by processing the PostScript code embedded within the EPS format. The malicious EPS file contains specially crafted PostScript commands that trigger memory corruption within the Office application's image processing pipeline. This memory corruption leads to a situation where attackers can manipulate the execution flow of the application, potentially allowing them to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the Office application. The vulnerability specifically targets the way Office handles the parsing and rendering of EPS files, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite memory locations and redirect program execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-2545 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with a sophisticated vector for establishing persistent access to compromised systems. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to deploy malware, establish backdoors, or conduct more extensive reconnaissance activities within the target network. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be delivered through various attack vectors including email attachments, malicious websites, or compromised documents shared through collaboration platforms. The attack requires minimal user interaction, often just opening a malicious document, making it an ideal candidate for social engineering campaigns. Organizations using affected Office versions face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their networks, as the executed code operates with the same privileges as the targeted user.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-2545 require immediate action from organizations to protect their systems from exploitation. The most effective approach involves applying the security patches released by Microsoft as part of their regular security updates, specifically targeting the Office applications mentioned in the vulnerability description. Organizations should also implement strict document handling policies, including disabling the automatic execution of embedded objects and images within Office documents. Network-based mitigations can include filtering EPS files at network boundaries and implementing email security solutions that scan for potentially malicious Office documents. Additionally, security awareness training for end users helps reduce the risk of successful exploitation through social engineering tactics. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that include application whitelisting, regular vulnerability assessments, and monitoring for suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation attempts.