CVE-2018-8539 in Office
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Microsoft Word software when it fails to properly handle objects in memory, aka "Microsoft Word Remote Code Execution Vulnerability." This affects Microsoft SharePoint Server, Microsoft Office. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-8573.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8539 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Microsoft Word software that stems from improper handling of objects in memory. This vulnerability specifically affects Microsoft SharePoint Server and Microsoft Office applications, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors who can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw manifests when Word processes certain file objects that are improperly validated or sanitized during memory operations, allowing attackers to craft malicious documents that trigger the vulnerability upon opening.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability falls under the category of memory corruption issues that align with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions in software implementations. The flaw occurs during the parsing and rendering of document objects within Word's memory management system, where insufficient bounds checking or validation allows attackers to manipulate memory structures through carefully crafted input files. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through social engineering tactics where users are tricked into opening malicious Word documents, often delivered via email attachments or compromised web content.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-8539 extends beyond individual user systems to encompass entire enterprise environments, particularly those utilizing SharePoint Server for document management and collaboration. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to systems, escalate privileges, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within networks. The remote execution capability means that attackers do not require physical access to target systems, making this vulnerability particularly attractive for large-scale attacks against organizations. The vulnerability's similarity to CVE-2018-8573 indicates a pattern of memory handling flaws in Microsoft Office applications, suggesting broader architectural issues that may affect other components within the Microsoft Office suite.
Security professionals should implement layered mitigation strategies including regular patch management, email filtering solutions that scan for malicious Office documents, and user education programs to reduce social engineering risks. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can help limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider deploying endpoint detection and response solutions to monitor for suspicious memory operations and potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would place it within the execution and privilege escalation domains, emphasizing the need for comprehensive monitoring and response capabilities to detect and contain exploitation activities. Microsoft's security advisories recommend immediate deployment of patches and implementation of additional security controls to protect against this and similar vulnerabilities that could be leveraged for advanced persistent threats.