CVE-2017-8510 in Office
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Microsoft Office when the software fails to properly handle objects in memory, aka "Office Remote Code Execution Vulnerability". This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2017-8509, CVE-2017-8511, CVE-2017-8512, CVE-2017-0260, and CVE-2017-8506.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-8510 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Microsoft Office applications that stems from improper handling of objects in memory. This vulnerability specifically affects various Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, making it a significant threat to enterprise environments where these applications are widely deployed. The flaw manifests when Office software processes maliciously crafted documents or files that contain specially constructed memory objects, leading to potential system compromise without user interaction. Security researchers identified this issue as part of a broader class of vulnerabilities affecting Microsoft Office applications, distinct from several other related vulnerabilities including CVE-2017-8509, CVE-2017-8511, CVE-2017-8512, CVE-2017-0260, and CVE-2017-8506, each representing different attack vectors within the same software ecosystem. The vulnerability operates at the memory management level where Office applications fail to properly validate or sanitize memory objects during document processing, creating opportunities for attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2017-8510 relies on a memory corruption vulnerability that occurs when Office applications process specially crafted files containing malformed memory structures. This flaw typically involves heap-based buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions where the application attempts to access memory locations that have already been freed or improperly allocated. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by embedding malicious content within Office documents such as .doc, .xls, or .ppt files, which when opened by an affected Office application trigger the memory corruption. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through social engineering attacks where users are tricked into opening malicious documents, or through automated exploitation in compromised web environments. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-125, which describes "Out-of-bounds Read" conditions in memory management, and potentially CWE-787, "Out-of-bounds Write" conditions that occur when applications write data past the boundaries of allocated memory regions. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that these vulnerabilities can be triggered through multiple Office application interfaces, including both desktop and web-based versions.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-8510 extends far beyond individual system compromise, as it represents a significant threat to enterprise security infrastructure. Organizations running affected Office versions face potential full system compromise where attackers can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the logged-in user, potentially leading to complete network infiltration. The vulnerability's remote execution capability means that attackers can exploit it without requiring physical access to target systems, making it particularly attractive for large-scale attacks. Network security teams must consider this vulnerability as a potential entry point for advanced persistent threats, especially when combined with other exploitation techniques from the ATT&CK framework such as initial access through phishing campaigns or exploitation of unpatched systems. The vulnerability's impact is amplified in environments where Office applications are frequently used to open external documents, making it a prime target for targeted attacks. Additionally, the vulnerability's ability to bypass certain security controls makes it particularly dangerous in environments where traditional security measures like antivirus software may not detect the malicious payloads due to their sophisticated nature.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-8510 should encompass both immediate patching and defensive measures to protect against exploitation attempts. Microsoft released security updates in the July 2017 security bulletin that addressed this vulnerability, requiring organizations to apply these patches promptly to eliminate the risk of exploitation. System administrators should implement layered security approaches including email filtering solutions that can identify and block malicious Office documents, disable automatic opening of Office files from untrusted sources, and implement application control policies that restrict Office applications from accessing potentially malicious content. Network security measures such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious Office-related traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also implement user education programs to reduce the risk of social engineering attacks that leverage this vulnerability, particularly focusing on identifying suspicious email attachments and document types. According to ATT&CK framework guidance, organizations should implement process monitoring and behavioral analysis to detect anomalous Office application behavior that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to ensure that all Office installations are properly patched and that defensive measures remain effective against evolving exploitation techniques.