CVE-2018-8312 in Access
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists when Microsoft Access fails to properly handle objects in memory, aka "Microsoft Access Remote Code Execution Vulnerability." This affects Microsoft Access, Microsoft Office.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8312 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Microsoft Access and Microsoft Office applications. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of objects in memory during processing operations, creating a potential attack vector that could allow malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw specifically manifests when the affected software encounters specially crafted malicious files or data structures that trigger memory corruption during normal processing sequences.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability falls under the category of memory corruption issues that align with CWE-125: "Out-of-bounds Read" and CWE-787: "Out-of-bounds Write." The root cause involves Microsoft Access's insufficient validation of memory objects when processing certain file formats or data inputs, leading to potential buffer overflows or other memory manipulation scenarios. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious Office documents or Access database files that, when opened by vulnerable applications, trigger the memory handling flaw and enable remote code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-8312 extends significantly across enterprise environments where Microsoft Office and Access applications are widely deployed. Organizations with extensive use of Access databases for data management, reporting, and automation face heightened risk as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information and system resources. The remote execution capability means that exploitation can occur without requiring physical access to target systems, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where documents might be shared through email attachments, file servers, or collaboration platforms.
This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059.005: "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Visual Basic" and T1203: "Exploitation for Client Execution" as attackers can leverage the memory corruption to execute malicious code through Office applications. The attack surface is broad given that Microsoft Access and Office applications are commonly installed across various user roles in enterprise environments, making the exploitation potential particularly significant. Organizations may also face compliance and regulatory challenges if successful exploitation results in data breaches or unauthorized system access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-8312 should prioritize immediate application of Microsoft security patches and updates released through the Microsoft Security Response Center. Network segmentation and email filtering solutions can help reduce the likelihood of malicious documents reaching end users, while disabling macro execution in Office applications provides additional protective layers. Organizations should also implement regular vulnerability scanning and monitoring to identify potentially affected systems, and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing remote code execution vulnerabilities. Security awareness training for end users regarding suspicious email attachments and document handling practices remains crucial in reducing exploitation success rates.