CVE-2018-8573 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 Word, Office 365 ProPlus, Microsoft Office. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-8539.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8573 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 Word applications and extends to Office 365 ProPlus and Microsoft Office installations, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors seeking to compromise systems through document-based exploits. The flaw manifests when the software fails to properly validate or manage memory objects during document processing, creating opportunities for adversaries to execute arbitrary code on targeted systems.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which encompasses out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The technical implementation involves Microsoft Word's document parsing mechanisms failing to properly validate memory objects when processing specially crafted documents, particularly those containing malicious embedded objects or malformed content structures. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious Word documents that, when opened by vulnerable applications, trigger memory corruption conditions that allow remote code execution. The vulnerability operates at the memory management level where insufficient input validation leads to memory access violations that can be exploited to gain unauthorized system access.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-8573 extends beyond simple document processing failures, as it enables attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the victim user. This creates a pathway for lateral movement within networks, privilege escalation, and persistent access to compromised systems. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through social engineering campaigns that distribute malicious Word documents via email attachments, web downloads, or compromised websites. The attack vector typically involves tricking users into opening seemingly legitimate documents that contain embedded malicious code, making this vulnerability particularly effective in targeted phishing campaigns and advanced persistent threat operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-8573 should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches and updates that address the memory handling flaws in Word's document processing engine. Organizations should implement strict document filtering policies that block or scan suspicious file types and embedded objects before they reach end users. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Security teams should also deploy endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify anomalous behavior patterns associated with memory corruption exploits. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK tactics including initial access through malicious documents and execution through remote code execution techniques, making comprehensive defense-in-depth strategies essential for protecting against this threat. Regular security awareness training for users to recognize suspicious email attachments and document files remains critical since user interaction is required for exploitation to occur.