CVE-2018-1029 in Excel
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Microsoft Excel software when the software fails to properly handle objects in memory, aka "Microsoft Excel Remote Code Execution Vulnerability." This affects Microsoft Excel Viewer, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-0920, CVE-2018-1011, CVE-2018-1027.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1029 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Microsoft Excel software that stems from improper handling of objects in memory. This vulnerability specifically impacts Microsoft Excel Viewer, Microsoft Office, and Microsoft Excel applications across multiple versions. The flaw occurs when the software fails to properly validate or manage memory objects during processing, creating an exploitable condition that adversaries can leverage remotely. Security researchers have documented this issue as part of Microsoft's ongoing efforts to address memory corruption vulnerabilities in their office productivity suite. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects widely deployed software used across enterprise environments, making it a prime target for sophisticated attack campaigns.
The technical mechanism underlying CVE-2018-1029 involves memory corruption during the processing of malformed Excel files or specific object structures within spreadsheet documents. When Microsoft Excel encounters certain crafted data structures or objects in memory, the application fails to properly validate the memory operations, leading to potential buffer overflows or memory access violations. This memory handling failure allows attackers to inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the targeted user. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition, though the actual exploitation typically involves more complex memory corruption patterns. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through ordinary spreadsheet file operations without requiring special user interaction beyond opening the malicious document.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risks to enterprise environments where Microsoft Excel is extensively used for data processing and collaboration. Attackers can exploit CVE-2018-1029 by delivering malicious Excel files through phishing campaigns, compromised websites, or other social engineering vectors. Once executed, the remote code execution allows threat actors to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially move laterally within networks. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond individual user systems to entire organizational infrastructures, particularly affecting environments where Excel files are shared across departments or with external partners. Organizations using older versions of Microsoft Office or those that have not implemented timely security updates face the highest exposure to this vulnerability, as it requires proper patching to remediate the memory handling flaws.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-1029 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment and operational security improvements. Microsoft released security updates that address the memory handling issues in affected Excel versions, requiring organizations to apply these patches promptly through their standard update management processes. Network segmentation and email filtering solutions can help reduce the attack surface by limiting access to potentially malicious Excel files. Security teams should implement application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of untrusted Office documents, particularly in high-value environments. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.005 for remote code execution through office applications, making it a priority for organizations implementing threat hunting and incident response procedures. Regular security assessments and user awareness training regarding suspicious Excel files are essential components of a comprehensive defense strategy against this and similar memory corruption vulnerabilities.