CVE-2022-44692 in Office
Summary
by MITRE • 12/13/2022
Microsoft Office Graphics Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2022-26804, CVE-2022-26805, CVE-2022-26806, CVE-2022-47211, CVE-2022-47212, CVE-2022-47213.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2023
The CVE-2022-44692 vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Microsoft Office Graphics components that enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the graphics rendering engine used in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, making it particularly dangerous due to the widespread use of these applications across enterprise environments. The flaw exists in how Office processes certain graphics elements within document files, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass security controls and gain unauthorized access to systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the graphics processing subsystem of Microsoft Office applications. When a user opens a specially crafted document containing malicious graphics elements, the vulnerable code path executes without proper sanitization, allowing attackers to inject and execute malicious code with the privileges of the logged-in user. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-129 which describes improper validation of array index bounds, and is particularly concerning as it operates at the application layer without requiring user interaction beyond opening a document. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics of a buffer overflow condition where insufficient bounds checking allows memory corruption that can be exploited for code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-44692 extends beyond simple remote code execution as it provides attackers with a sophisticated attack vector that aligns with multiple techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework. Specifically, this vulnerability can be leveraged as part of initial access phases through spearphishing campaigns where malicious documents are delivered via email, and subsequently used to establish persistent access through the execution of additional payloads. The attack chain typically involves a user opening a malicious document, which triggers the exploitation of the graphics rendering flaw, followed by privilege escalation and lateral movement within the compromised network. Organizations running affected Office versions face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential full network infiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-44692 should include immediate deployment of Microsoft's security patches and updates, which address the underlying graphics processing flaw through proper input validation and memory management controls. Organizations should also implement defensive measures such as email filtering solutions that can identify and block malicious documents containing suspicious graphics elements, and enable Office's built-in Protected View mode for all documents from untrusted sources. Network segmentation and privileged access controls should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while regular security awareness training can help users recognize and avoid potentially malicious documents. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of unauthorized Office macros and graphics processing components can provide an additional layer of protection against exploitation attempts.