CVE-2022-44694 in Office
Summary
by MITRE • 12/13/2022
Microsoft Office Visio Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2022-44695, CVE-2022-44696.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/19/2026
Microsoft Office Visio contains a remote code execution vulnerability that arises from improper handling of specially crafted malicious files within the application's rendering engine. This flaw exists in the way Visio processes certain graphical elements and file formats, particularly when parsing complex vector graphics and embedded objects. The vulnerability allows an attacker to craft malicious Visio files that, when opened by an unsuspecting user, can trigger arbitrary code execution on the target system. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and memory corruption handling within the Visio application's file parsing routines, creating a pathway for attackers to execute malicious payloads through crafted file content. This vulnerability specifically affects Microsoft Visio versions prior to the security updates released in November 2022, making it a significant concern for organizations that rely heavily on Visio for diagramming and visualization tasks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to deliver a malicious Visio file to a victim through social engineering means such as email attachments, malicious websites, or compromised file sharing platforms. When the victim opens the crafted file, the Visio application's vulnerable parsing code executes, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted user. The attack vector typically involves manipulating the application's handling of specific graphic elements, embedded objects, or file metadata that triggers the memory corruption state. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read errors. The flaw represents a classic remote code execution vulnerability that can be exploited without requiring user interaction beyond opening the malicious file, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Visio is commonly used.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to target systems through the execution of malicious payloads. Organizations using Visio for collaborative diagramming, technical documentation, or business process visualization face significant risk from this vulnerability. The attack can potentially lead to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or lateral movement within networks where Visio is deployed. Security teams must consider the widespread use of Visio across different departments and user groups when assessing the potential impact of this vulnerability. The vulnerability's remote execution capability means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly concerning for organizations with limited network segmentation or robust endpoint protection measures. This vulnerability also maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1203, which covers Exploitation for Client Execution, and T1059, which covers Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers can leverage the executed code to perform further malicious activities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve applying the Microsoft security updates released in November 2022, which address the specific memory corruption issues in Visio's file parsing routines. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all Visio installations are updated promptly. Network-based mitigations can include blocking access to known malicious domains and implementing email filtering rules to prevent delivery of potentially malicious Visio files. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application control policies that restrict the execution of Visio files from untrusted sources or implementing sandboxing techniques for file handling. Security awareness training for users can help reduce the risk of successful social engineering attacks that deliver malicious Visio files. Regular vulnerability scanning and monitoring for suspicious Visio file activity can provide early detection of potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should also include reviewing access controls and user permissions to limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs, as the vulnerability can be exploited to execute code with user-level privileges. Organizations should maintain detailed logs of Visio file access and execution to support forensic analysis in case of successful exploitation attempts.