Remote code execution in Microsoft PowerPoint

1) Memory corruption

EUVDB-ID: #VU15259

Risk: High

CVSSv3.1: 8.3 [CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2018-8501

CWE-ID: CWE-119 - Memory corruption

Exploit availability: No

Description

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

The vulnerability exists due to improper handling of objects in Protected View in Microsoft PowerPoint software. A remote attacker can create a specially crafted PowerPoint document, trick the victim into opening it, trigger memory corruption and execute arbitrary code on the target system.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may result in complete compromise of vulnerable system.

Mitigation

Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Microsoft PowerPoint: 2010 - 2016

PowerPoint Viewer: 2010

Microsoft Office: 365 ProPlus - 2019

Microsoft Office Web Apps: 2010

CPE2.3

• cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:powerpoint:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:
• cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:powerpoint:2013 RT Service Pack 1:*:*:*:*:*:*:
• cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:powerpoint_viewer:2010:*:*:*:*:*:*:
• cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:microsoft_office:365 ProPlus:*:*:*:*:*:*:
• cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:microsoft_office:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:
• cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:microsoft_office_web_apps:2010:*:*:*:*:*:*:

External links

http://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2018-8501

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

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

How the attacker can exploit this vulnerability?

The attacker would have to trick the victim to visit a specially crafted website or open a file.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.