CVE-2018-8628 in PowerPoint
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Microsoft PowerPoint software when the software fails to properly handle objects in memory, aka "Microsoft PowerPoint Remote Code Execution Vulnerability." This affects Microsoft Office, Office 365 ProPlus, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft SharePoint, Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer, Office Online Server, Microsoft SharePoint Server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8628 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Microsoft PowerPoint software that stems from improper handling of objects in memory. This weakness allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where PowerPoint documents are frequently shared and opened. The vulnerability specifically affects Microsoft Office suites including Office 365 ProPlus, Microsoft SharePoint, Office Online Server, and various PowerPoint Viewer implementations across different Microsoft platforms.
From a technical perspective, the flaw manifests when PowerPoint processes malformed or specially crafted objects within presentation files, particularly those containing embedded content or external references. The software fails to properly validate memory objects during the parsing process, creating opportunities for memory corruption that can be exploited to gain unauthorized code execution privileges. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-125: "Out-of-bounds Read" and CWE-787: "Out-of-bounds Write" categories, which are commonly exploited in Microsoft Office applications due to their complex file parsing mechanisms and extensive support for various multimedia formats.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond individual user systems to encompass entire enterprise networks, as PowerPoint documents are routinely shared through email attachments, file servers, and collaboration platforms like SharePoint. Attackers can craft malicious presentations that appear legitimate to unsuspecting users, who may unknowingly execute the malicious code simply by opening the document. This vector of attack aligns with ATT&CK technique T1204.002: "User Execution: Malicious File" and demonstrates how document-based attacks can bypass traditional network security controls by leveraging the trust users place in office applications.
Organizations affected by CVE-2018-8628 face significant risks including data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their networks. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in full system compromise, allowing attackers to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive information, or deploy additional malware. Microsoft has addressed this vulnerability through security updates that include enhanced memory validation routines and improved object handling mechanisms within the PowerPoint application. Organizations should implement immediate patch management procedures, deploy application whitelisting policies, and consider network segmentation to limit potential attack surface exposure. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of verifying document sources before opening potentially malicious files, as social engineering remains a critical component in successful exploitation of such vulnerabilities.