CVE-2018-0807 in Word
Summary
by MITRE
Equation Editor in Microsoft Office 2003, Microsoft Office 2007, Microsoft Office 2010, Microsoft Office 2013, and Microsoft Office 2016 allows a remote code execution vulnerability due to the way objects are handled in memory, aka "Microsoft Word Remote Code Execution Vulnerability". This CVE is unique from CVE-2018-0804, CVE-2018-0805, and CVE-2018-0806.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0807 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Microsoft Office's Equation Editor component across multiple versions including Office 2003 through 2016. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of objects within memory structures, creating a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. The Equation Editor, a component designed to facilitate mathematical equation creation within Office documents, becomes a vector for exploitation when processing malformed or specially crafted objects that trigger memory corruption issues.
The technical flaw manifests in how the Equation Editor processes certain object types when they are embedded within Office documents or loaded from remote sources. When a user opens a malicious document containing specially crafted Equation objects, the editor fails to properly validate or sanitize these objects before processing them in memory. This memory handling error creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory layout and execute malicious code with the privileges of the targeted user. The vulnerability specifically affects the way Office handles structured data objects during rendering operations, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently open documents from untrusted sources.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0807 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with a sophisticated method for establishing persistent access to compromised systems. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to deliver malware payloads, establish backdoors, or escalate privileges within the target environment. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited through social engineering campaigns where users are tricked into opening seemingly legitimate Office documents containing malicious Equation objects. This makes the attack surface particularly broad as Office documents are commonly shared via email, file transfers, and web downloads, providing numerous potential entry points for exploitation.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a variant of memory corruption issues classified under CWE-125, which deals with out-of-bounds reads, and potentially CWE-787, which addresses out-of-bounds writes. The exploitation techniques align with ATT&CK tactics including T1059 for command and script interpreter execution, and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches, implementation of strict document handling policies, and network-based protections such as email filtering and web proxy configurations. Organizations should also consider disabling Equation Editor functionality where possible and implementing application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized code. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that even unsolicited document attachments can result in complete system compromise, making proactive defense measures essential for maintaining security posture.