CVE-2017-0265 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-2017-0264.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0265 represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft PowerPoint for Mac 2011 that enables remote code execution attacks. This issue stems from the application's improper handling of objects within memory structures during document processing operations. The vulnerability specifically affects the memory management routines that govern how PowerPoint processes various file elements, creating opportunities for malicious actors to exploit memory corruption patterns that could lead to arbitrary code execution on affected systems. The flaw exists within the software's object handling mechanisms and represents a classic example of buffer overflow or memory corruption vulnerabilities that have plagued office productivity applications for years.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can occur when software fails to properly validate memory access boundaries. The flaw manifests when PowerPoint encounters specially crafted malicious content within PowerPoint files, particularly those containing malformed objects or embedded data structures that trigger improper memory handling. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting malicious PowerPoint presentations that, when opened by an affected user, cause the application to corrupt memory structures and subsequently execute attacker-controlled code. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation for execution through memory corruption attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0265 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass significant security implications for organizations relying on Mac-based PowerPoint environments. The vulnerability affects users who may inadvertently open malicious PowerPoint files through email attachments, web downloads, or shared network resources, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise settings where users frequently exchange documents. The memory corruption nature of the flaw means that successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, or access sensitive organizational data. Organizations with extensive Mac user bases running PowerPoint 2011 are particularly vulnerable to targeted attacks exploiting this weakness.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0265 should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches and updates to address the memory corruption vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict document handling policies that restrict opening of PowerPoint files from untrusted sources and consider deploying application whitelisting solutions to prevent execution of untrusted code. Network-based security controls such as email filtering and web proxies should be configured to scan PowerPoint files for malicious content before they reach end users. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing sandboxing techniques for document processing applications and regularly monitor for signs of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of keeping office productivity applications updated and highlights the need for comprehensive vulnerability management programs that address both known and emerging threats in enterprise environments.