CVE-2021-34280 in Office
Summary
by MITRE • 06/08/2021
Polaris Office v9.103.83.44230 is affected by a Uninitialized Pointer Vulnerability in PolarisOffice.exe and EngineDLL.dll that may cause a Remote Code Execution. To exploit the vulnerability, someone must open a crafted PDF file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-34280 represents a critical uninitialized pointer flaw within Polaris Office version 9.103.83.44230 affecting both PolarisOffice.exe and EngineDLL.dll components. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-476 which specifically addresses NULL pointer dereference conditions that can lead to application crashes or more severe security consequences. The flaw exists in the document processing engine responsible for handling pdf files and demonstrates how improper memory management can create exploitable conditions in office productivity software.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the improper initialization of memory pointers during pdf file processing operations. When Polaris Office encounters a crafted pdf file, the uninitialized pointer in the EngineDLL.dll component can lead to unpredictable memory access patterns that may be manipulated by attackers to execute arbitrary code. This remote code execution vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no local privileges to exploit, making it accessible to attackers who can simply entice users to open malicious documents. The attack vector relies on social engineering techniques where users are tricked into opening specially crafted pdf files that trigger the vulnerable code path.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-34280 extends beyond simple application instability to potentially enable full system compromise. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain complete control over affected systems, potentially leading to data exfiltration, persistent backdoor installation, or use as a foothold for further network exploration. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Polaris Office for document processing, particularly those handling sensitive or confidential information. The remote execution capability means that threat actors can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to target systems, making it a significant risk for enterprise environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of vendor patches or updates to Polaris Office versions that address the uninitialized pointer issue. Organizations should implement strict document handling policies that restrict pdf file execution, particularly from untrusted sources or email attachments. Network-based security controls such as web application firewalls and email filtering systems can help detect and block malicious pdf files before they reach end users. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of not opening unexpected pdf files and verifying document sources before processing. The vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the attack tactic of execution and privilege escalation within the MITRE ATT&CK framework, where initial access through malicious document delivery leads to system compromise. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted pdf processing applications and maintain regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar memory corruption issues in other office productivity software.