CVE-2017-8512 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-2017-8510, CVE-2017-8511, CVE-2017-0260, and CVE-2017-8506.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8512 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Microsoft Office applications that stems from improper handling of objects in memory. This vulnerability specifically affects Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, making it a significant threat vector for cyber attackers targeting enterprise environments. The flaw manifests when Office applications process maliciously crafted files that contain specially constructed objects in memory, leading to potential arbitrary code execution on vulnerable systems.
This vulnerability operates through memory corruption mechanisms that align with common software security weaknesses documented in the CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) catalog under CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions. The flaw occurs during the parsing of structured documents where Office applications fail to validate the integrity of memory objects, particularly when handling complex file formats. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious Office documents that trigger memory corruption during normal document processing operations, allowing them to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted user.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-8512 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass broader security implications within enterprise networks. When successfully exploited, this vulnerability can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, deploy additional malware payloads, or establish persistent backdoors within compromised systems. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it through email attachments, web downloads, or other network-based delivery mechanisms without requiring physical access to target systems. This characteristic places it within the ATT&CK framework's technique T1203, which covers exploitation for privilege escalation through remote access methods.
Microsoft's security advisory for this vulnerability indicates that the flaw affects multiple versions of Office, including Office 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, and Office 2019, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where legacy Office versions are still in use. The vulnerability's exploitation typically requires social engineering tactics to convince users to open malicious documents, though some variants may be exploitable through automated means. Organizations should note that the vulnerability's impact is amplified in environments where users have administrative privileges, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-8512 should include immediate deployment of Microsoft's security patches and updates, as well as implementing defensive measures such as email filtering, application whitelisting, and network segmentation. Security teams should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, suggesting that exploitation may involve PowerShell or other scripting mechanisms. Organizations should also consider disabling macro execution in Office applications where possible, as this significantly reduces the attack surface for this particular vulnerability. Additionally, regular security awareness training for users can help prevent successful social engineering campaigns that often accompany exploitation attempts for this class of vulnerability.