CVE-2026-70313
Summary
by MITRE • 08/11/2026
Improper input validation in Microsoft Office PowerPoint allows an unauthorized attacker to disclose information locally.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical flaw in Microsoft Office PowerPoint's input validation mechanisms that enables unauthorized attackers to achieve local information disclosure. The weakness occurs when the application fails to properly validate user-supplied data during the processing of presentation files, creating opportunities for malicious actors to extract sensitive information from the target system. Such vulnerabilities typically arise from inadequate sanitization of file inputs, particularly when parsing complex file formats that contain embedded objects or metadata. The flaw can be exploited through specially crafted PowerPoint files that trigger unexpected behavior in the application's handling of input data, potentially allowing attackers to access system resources, user credentials, or other confidential information stored locally on the affected machine.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates poor defensive programming practices and inadequate boundary checking within PowerPoint's file parsing routines. When the application encounters malformed or maliciously constructed presentation files, it fails to properly validate the structure and content of incoming data before processing. This allows attackers to manipulate input parameters in ways that bypass normal security controls and access protected system resources. The vulnerability may be classified as a variant of CWE-20 - Improper Input Validation, which encompasses weaknesses where applications fail to adequately check or sanitize user-provided data before using it in application logic. From an attack perspective, this represents a privilege escalation vector that operates at the local system level rather than requiring network-based exploitation, making it particularly concerning for environments with limited network segmentation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can serve as a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within compromised environments. Local information disclosure capabilities can provide attackers with system architecture details, user account information, file paths, and other reconnaissance data that facilitates further exploitation attempts. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to gather intelligence about the target system's configuration, identify potential attack vectors, or prepare for subsequent stages of compromise such as privilege escalation or lateral movement. The attack surface is broadened when considering that PowerPoint files are commonly shared via email attachments, file transfers, and collaborative platforms, increasing the probability of successful exploitation through social engineering or phishing campaigns.
Mitigation strategies should focus on multiple defensive layers to protect against this class of vulnerability. Organizations must implement strict input validation policies for all file types processed by Office applications, including regular security updates and patches from Microsoft that address known weaknesses in file parsing routines. System administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting solutions that restrict execution of potentially malicious files, while also deploying endpoint protection mechanisms that monitor for suspicious file processing activities. Network segmentation and principle of least privilege access controls can help limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of verifying file sources before opening PowerPoint presentations, particularly those received via email or downloaded from untrusted sources. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar input validation weaknesses across the organization's software ecosystem. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and reconnaissance activities within compromised systems.