CVE-2018-8307 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
A security feature bypass vulnerability exists when Microsoft WordPad improperly handles embedded OLE objects, aka "WordPad Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability." This affects Windows 7, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 10, Windows 10 Servers.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2023
The CVE-2018-8307 vulnerability represents a critical security feature bypass flaw within Microsoft WordPad that stems from improper handling of embedded OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) objects. This vulnerability exists in multiple Windows operating system versions including Windows 7, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 10, and Windows 10 Servers. The flaw allows attackers to circumvent security mechanisms that should normally prevent malicious code execution when processing WordPad documents containing specially crafted embedded objects. The vulnerability specifically targets the way WordPad processes OLE objects, which are used to embed various types of content such as spreadsheets, charts, or other applications within documents.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insufficient validation and handling of OLE objects within WordPad's document processing pipeline. When WordPad encounters an embedded OLE object, it fails to properly verify the object's integrity and security properties before attempting to render or execute it. This improper handling creates an attack surface where malicious actors can craft documents containing OLE objects that exploit the validation gaps to bypass security controls. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-221 which deals with security-relevant deviations from specifications, specifically related to improper handling of security-sensitive data. The flaw essentially allows attackers to execute code in the context of the current user's privileges without proper authorization checks, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may have elevated permissions.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-8307 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. An attacker could craft malicious WordPad documents that, when opened by an unsuspecting user, would execute arbitrary code on the target system. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because WordPad is a built-in Windows application that many users interact with regularly, making it an ideal vector for social engineering attacks. The security feature bypass aspect means that standard security controls such as application whitelisting, sandboxing, and user access controls may be circumvented. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.005 which covers command and scripting interpreter usage through WordPad and other document-based applications, as attackers can leverage this flaw to execute malicious payloads without detection.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-8307 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. Microsoft has released patches through regular security updates that address the underlying OLE handling issues in WordPad. Organizations should prioritize applying these patches across all affected systems immediately. Additionally, implementing application control policies that restrict WordPad execution or limiting document attachment handling can provide defense-in-depth. Security administrators should monitor for suspicious WordPad document usage patterns and consider disabling OLE object embedding in corporate environments where it is not essential. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and the need for applications to maintain strict security boundaries when processing external content, particularly in office applications that frequently handle embedded objects. Regular security assessments should include testing for similar vulnerabilities in other document processing applications that may exhibit similar OLE handling behaviors.