CVE-2018-8245 in Publisher
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists when Microsoft Publisher fails to utilize features that lock down the Local Machine zone when instantiating OLE objects, aka "Microsoft Publisher Remote Code Execution Vulnerability." This affects Microsoft Publisher.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2018-8245 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Microsoft Publisher that stems from inadequate security controls during OLE object instantiation. This weakness specifically impacts the Local Machine zone security features that should normally restrict potentially malicious content from executing with elevated privileges. The vulnerability arises when Publisher fails to properly enforce the security boundaries that typically isolate local machine zone content from external threats, creating an exploitable condition where remote attackers can craft malicious documents that bypass standard security protections.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) objects within Publisher documents, particularly when these objects originate from untrusted sources. When a user opens a malicious Publisher file, the application fails to apply the necessary security restrictions that would normally prevent OLE objects from executing code with local machine privileges. This misconfiguration allows attackers to leverage the Local Machine zone's security features in a manner that enables arbitrary code execution on vulnerable systems. The flaw is categorized under CWE-749 as an exposed dangerous method or function, specifically relating to the improper restriction of operations within the Local Machine zone.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations that rely on Microsoft Publisher for document creation and sharing. Attackers can exploit this weakness by distributing malicious Publisher files through various vectors including email attachments, compromised websites, or social engineering campaigns. Once a user opens the malicious document, the attacker gains the ability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the logged-on user, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates without requiring user interaction beyond opening the document, and the exploitation can occur silently in the background.
The impact of CVE-2018-8245 aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code on target systems. Organizations running affected versions of Microsoft Publisher are at risk of lateral movement within their networks, as successful exploitation can lead to privilege escalation and further compromise of other systems. The vulnerability affects Microsoft Publisher versions that fail to properly implement the security restrictions that should prevent OLE objects from executing in the Local Machine zone, making it a persistent threat across various deployment scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of Microsoft's security patches and updates, which address the improper handling of OLE objects within Publisher. Organizations should also implement strict document handling policies that restrict the opening of Publisher files from untrusted sources, and consider deploying application whitelisting solutions to prevent unauthorized execution of Publisher applications. Network-based protections such as email filtering and web proxies can help block malicious Publisher files before they reach end users. Additionally, security awareness training should emphasize the dangers of opening unexpected Publisher documents and the importance of verifying document sources before execution. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper zone security implementation and highlights the need for comprehensive security controls that protect against exploitation of application-level weaknesses.