#VU4087 Untrusted Search Path in Microsoft Office - CVE-2012-1854

Vulnerability identifier: #VU4087

Vulnerability risk: Critical

CVSSv4.0: 8.4 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:A/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:A/U:Red]

CVE-ID: CVE-2012-1854

CWE-ID: CWE-426

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
Microsoft Office
Client/Desktop applications / Office applications

Vendor: Microsoft

Description
The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target system.

The vulnerability exists due to the way Microsoft Office loads .dll libraries when opening Office documents (such as a .docx file). A remote attacker can place a specially crafted .dll file along with Microsoft Office document on a remote SMB or WebDAV share, trick the victim into opening that document and execute arbitrary code on the target system with privileges of the current user.

Successful exploitation of the vulnerability may allow an attacker to compromise vulnerable system.

Note: the vulnerability was being actively exploited.

Mitigation
Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Microsoft Office: 2003, 2007, 2010

---

External links
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/security/ms12-046

---

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability. However, a fully functional exploit for this vulnerability is available.