CVE-2024-7262 in WPS Office
Summary
by MITRE • 08/15/2024
Improper path validation in promecefpluginhost.exe in Kingsoft WPS Office version ranging from 12.2.0.13110 to 12.2.0.16412 (exclusive) on Windows allows an attacker to load an arbitrary Windows library. The vulnerability was found weaponized as a single-click exploit in the form of a deceptive spreadsheet document
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/31/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2024-7262 represents a critical path validation flaw in the promecefpluginhost.exe component of Kingsoft WPS Office, affecting versions within the specified range. This issue stems from inadequate input sanitization and path resolution mechanisms that fail to properly validate file paths during library loading operations. The flaw exists in the plugin hosting architecture where the application does not sufficiently verify the legitimacy of dynamic library paths, creating an opportunity for malicious code execution through crafted file references.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category of Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, commonly known as Path Traversal. The attack vector specifically targets the Windows library loading mechanism where the promecefpluginhost.exe process attempts to load dynamic link libraries without proper validation of the target file paths. The exploitation technique leverages the fact that the application accepts arbitrary paths that can point to malicious DLL files located outside of the expected application directories, effectively bypassing standard security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is particularly severe as it enables arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running WPS Office. Attackers can craft deceptive spreadsheet documents that appear legitimate but contain malicious payload references within their embedded plugin configurations. The single-click exploit nature means that victims need only open the malicious document to trigger the vulnerability, making it highly effective for social engineering campaigns. The attack chain typically involves loading a malicious DLL file from an unexpected location, which then executes arbitrary code on the target system.
The weaponization of this vulnerability demonstrates sophisticated attack techniques that align with ATT&CK tactics including T1566 for Phishing and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter. The exploit leverages the trust relationship between the WPS Office application and its plugin architecture to gain unauthorized code execution. Security researchers have observed that attackers often use this technique in targeted campaigns where they craft documents that appear to be legitimate business files, making detection more challenging for traditional security solutions.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing strict path validation controls within the plugin hosting environment and restricting the ability of applications to load libraries from arbitrary locations. Organizations should deploy application whitelisting solutions that prevent execution of unauthorized DLL files and implement network-based controls to block known malicious domains. Regular updates to WPS Office should be prioritized, and administrators should consider disabling plugin functionality for untrusted documents. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of sandboxing techniques and runtime application control measures that can detect and prevent unauthorized library loading operations. Additionally, security awareness training should address the risks of opening suspicious documents from unknown sources, as the single-click nature of this exploit makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently trigger the attack through routine document handling activities.