CVE-2019-1462 in Office
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'.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/09/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Microsoft PowerPoint software that arises from improper handling of objects in memory. The vulnerability stems from how PowerPoint processes certain file structures and memory management operations during document parsing, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw specifically manifests when PowerPoint encounters specially crafted malicious objects within presentation files, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for remote code execution. This issue affects multiple versions of Microsoft Office products including PowerPoint 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Office 2016 for Mac, making it a widespread concern across enterprise environments where these applications are commonly deployed.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious PowerPoint files that trigger memory corruption when opened by vulnerable software versions. The exploitation typically involves preparing a specially formatted presentation file containing malicious code that, when processed by PowerPoint, causes the application to read or write outside of allocated memory boundaries. This memory corruption can then be manipulated to overwrite critical program execution pointers or inject malicious code into the running process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through normal file opening operations, making it difficult to defend against through user awareness alone.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it can enable full system compromise when attackers leverage additional attack vectors or techniques. Organizations using affected PowerPoint versions face significant risk of data breaches, system infiltration, and potential lateral movement within their networks. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or malicious documents hosted on compromised websites. Security professionals have noted that this vulnerability can be particularly challenging to detect since legitimate PowerPoint operations may appear normal while simultaneously establishing malicious code execution pathways. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that PowerPoint is widely used across organizations, increasing the potential attack surface and making it a prime target for nation-state actors and organized cybercriminal groups.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches and updates, which address the memory handling flaws in affected PowerPoint versions. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies, particularly for incoming email attachments and document downloads, using sandboxing techniques to isolate potentially malicious files. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential damage from successful exploits by preventing lateral movement within compromised networks. Security monitoring should focus on unusual PowerPoint process behavior, unexpected memory allocations, and anomalous network connections that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of unsigned or untrusted PowerPoint files can provide an additional layer of defense. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.005 for command and scripting interpreter usage and T1203 for exploitation for privilege escalation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures that address both initial compromise and subsequent system control. Regular security awareness training for users should also be implemented to reduce the likelihood of social engineering attacks that may deliver malicious PowerPoint files.