CVE-2019-1035 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 CVE ID is unique from CVE-2019-1034.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/21/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2019-1035 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Microsoft Word software that stems from improper handling of objects in memory. This issue specifically affects Microsoft Word applications running on Windows operating systems and creates a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. The flaw manifests when the application processes certain file formats or embedded objects without adequate validation mechanisms, leading to potential memory corruption that can be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows remote attackers to compromise systems simply by persuading users to open maliciously crafted Word documents, making it a prime target for widespread exploitation campaigns.
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 where programs access memory locations beyond allocated buffers. The flaw occurs during the parsing and rendering of document objects within Word's memory management system, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to manipulate memory structures through specially crafted input. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution vulnerability because it can be triggered over a network without requiring local system access, enabling attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the targeted user. This type of vulnerability commonly maps to ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploitation of remote services to gain code execution capabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-1035 extends beyond simple exploitation, as it can lead to complete system compromise and persistent access for threat actors. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability enables attackers to install malware, steal sensitive data, establish backdoors, and potentially escalate privileges to SYSTEM level access. The attack vector typically involves social engineering campaigns where users are诱导 to open malicious documents through email attachments, web downloads, or compromised websites. Organizations running affected versions of Microsoft Word are particularly vulnerable since the flaw affects the application's core document processing functionality, making it difficult to mitigate without patching or implementing application control measures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of Microsoft's security patches and updates to address the memory handling issues within Word's object processing routines. System administrators should implement application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted Office documents and consider deploying Microsoft's Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit to add additional memory protection layers. Network segmentation and email filtering solutions should be enhanced to detect and block suspicious document attachments that may contain malicious payloads. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions to monitor for suspicious process creation or memory access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security awareness training for users to recognize phishing attempts and suspicious email attachments remains crucial in preventing successful exploitation of this vulnerability. The remediation process should also include thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running vulnerable versions of Microsoft Word and ensure comprehensive patch management across the enterprise environment.