#VU6175 Improper input validation in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Office - CVE-2015-6172

Vulnerability identifier: #VU6175

Vulnerability risk: High

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:Amber]

CVE-ID: CVE-2015-6172

CWE-ID: CWE-20

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
Microsoft Word
Client/Desktop applications / Office applications
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 weakness exists due to an error when handling malicious Word files. A remote attacker can create a specially crafted .doc file, trick the victim into opening it and execute arbitrary code with privileges of the current user.

Successful exploitation of the vulnerability may result in arbitrary code execution on the vulnerable system.

Mitigation
Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Microsoft Word: 2007, 2010, 2013 RT Service Pack 1, 2013, 2016

Microsoft Office: 2007, 2010, 2013 RT, 2016

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External links
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/security/ms15-131.aspx

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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?

Yes. This vulnerability is being exploited in the wild.