CVE-2017-0281 in Skype for Business
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Office 2007 SP3, Office 2010 SP2, Office 2013 SP1, Office 2016, Office Online Server 2016, Office Web Apps 2010 SP2,Office Web Apps 2013 SP1, Project Server 2013 SP1, SharePoint Enterprise Server 2013 SP1, SharePoint Enterprise Server 2016, SharePoint Foundation 2013 SP1, Sharepoint Server 2010 SP2, Word 2016, and Skype for Business 2016 allow a remote code execution vulnerability when the software fails to properly handle objects in memory, aka "Office Remote Code Execution Vulnerability". This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2017-0261 and CVE-2017-0262.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0281 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting multiple Microsoft Office and SharePoint products including Office 2007 through 2016, Office Online Server 2016, Office Web Apps 2010 and 2013, Project Server 2013, and various SharePoint server versions. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of objects in memory during the processing of specially crafted Office documents, creating a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw specifically manifests when Microsoft Office applications fail to properly validate memory objects, leading to potential buffer overflows or memory corruption that can be exploited by malicious actors.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability operates at the memory management level where Office applications process various document formats including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files. The flaw typically occurs when these applications encounter malformed or specially crafted documents that trigger improper memory handling routines. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-125, which describes "Out-of-bounds Read" conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation can lead to full system compromise. The memory corruption aspect of this vulnerability makes it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged to bypass modern security mitigations like ASLR and DEP through techniques such as Return-Oriented Programming or Jump-Oriented Programming.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0281 is severe and far-reaching across enterprise environments where Microsoft Office applications are widely deployed. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by delivering malicious Office documents through spearphishing campaigns, compromised websites, or malicious email attachments. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute code with the privileges of the current user, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The widespread adoption of affected Office versions means that organizations across various sectors including finance, healthcare, government, and technology are at risk. The vulnerability's remote nature eliminates the need for physical access or local network presence, making it particularly attractive to threat actors conducting large-scale attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0281 should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches and updates released through Windows Update or Microsoft Update Catalog. Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense including email filtering solutions that can detect and block malicious Office documents, disable macro execution in Office applications, and employ application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unauthorized binaries. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify unpatched systems. Additionally, user education programs should be implemented to raise awareness about phishing attacks and suspicious email attachments. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and highlights the critical need for organizations to have robust vulnerability management processes in place. Security teams should also consider implementing advanced threat detection mechanisms such as endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. Organizations should prioritize patch management processes and maintain detailed inventory of all Office installations to ensure complete remediation across their infrastructure.