CVE-2017-0264 in PowerPoint
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft PowerPoint for Mac 2011 allows a remote code execution vulnerability when the software fails to properly handle objects in memory, aka "Microsoft Office Memory Corruption Vulnerability". This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2017-0254 and CVE-2017-0265.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2020
This vulnerability resides within Microsoft PowerPoint for Mac 2011 and represents a critical memory corruption flaw that enables remote code execution under specific conditions. The vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of objects within memory structures, creating opportunities for malicious actors to exploit memory management weaknesses. According to CWE-125, this corresponds to an "Out-of-bounds Read" condition where the software attempts to access memory locations beyond the intended boundaries, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The flaw specifically affects how PowerPoint processes certain file formats and embedded objects, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently open documents from untrusted sources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a maliciously crafted PowerPoint file is opened, triggering memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code on the target system. This represents a classic buffer overflow scenario where the application fails to validate memory boundaries when processing malformed input data. Attackers can craft specially designed presentations that, when opened by an affected user, cause the application to read beyond allocated memory regions, potentially allowing for privilege escalation and system compromise. The vulnerability's remote execution capability means that no local access is required for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where users may inadvertently open malicious files.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations that rely on Microsoft Office for Mac products, particularly in environments where users frequently exchange documents with external parties. The attack surface is broad since PowerPoint is commonly used for presentations, reports, and collaborative work, increasing the likelihood of encountering malicious files. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, "Exploitation for Client Execution," where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to execute malicious code on target systems. The risk assessment indicates that successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data theft, and potential lateral movement within networks.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected systems, as Microsoft released security updates addressing this specific memory corruption vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict document handling policies, including email filtering and sandboxing of suspicious files before opening. Network segmentation and endpoint protection solutions can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, user education regarding the dangers of opening unexpected documents and maintaining updated software versions remains critical. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in preventing remote code execution exploits, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for this specific flaw to ensure comprehensive protection against similar memory corruption vulnerabilities.