CVE-2018-3844 in Perceptive Document Filters
Summary
by MITRE
In Hyland Perceptive Document Filters 11.4.0.2647 - x86/x64 Windows/Linux, a crafted DOCX document can lead to a use-after-free resulting in direct code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3844 represents a critical use-after-free flaw within Hyland Perceptive Document Filters version 11.4.0.2647 affecting both x86 and x64 architectures on Windows and Linux operating systems. This vulnerability specifically manifests when processing crafted DOCX documents, which are commonly used Microsoft Word document formats that rely on the Office Open XML standard for their structure and content representation. The flaw exists in the document filter component responsible for parsing and processing these office documents, creating a scenario where memory management errors can be exploited by malicious actors to achieve arbitrary code execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the document parsing routine. When a specially crafted DOCX file is processed, the application fails to properly handle memory references after objects have been freed, creating a use-after-free condition that can be leveraged by attackers. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-416, which specifically addresses the use of freed memory conditions. The attack vector involves an attacker crafting a malicious DOCX document that, when opened or processed by the vulnerable software, triggers the memory corruption. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through social engineering techniques where users are tricked into opening seemingly legitimate documents.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it can potentially allow attackers to gain full control over affected systems. The use-after-free condition creates opportunities for remote code execution, enabling adversaries to install malware, establish backdoors, or perform other malicious activities without user interaction. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Hyland Perceptive Document Filters for document processing, particularly those handling sensitive information or operating in environments where document security is paramount. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to access confidential data, disrupt business operations, or use the compromised systems as launch points for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The cross-platform nature of the vulnerability means that both Windows and Linux environments are equally at risk, increasing the potential attack surface for organizations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-3844 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with the vendor-provided security updates. Organizations should implement strict document filtering policies that prevent the processing of untrusted documents, particularly those from unknown sources or external entities. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious document processing activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing comprehensive vulnerability management programs. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of opening unknown documents and the importance of verifying document sources can serve as an additional layer of defense. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing technologies for document processing to isolate potentially malicious content from critical system resources, aligning with the defensive strategies recommended in the MITRE ATT&CK framework for defending against exploitation techniques.