Vulnerability identifier: #VU6144

Vulnerability 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-2009-3131

CWE-ID: CWE-119

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
Excel Viewer
Client/Desktop applications / Office applications
Microsoft Excel
Client/Desktop applications / Office applications
Microsoft Office for Mac
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 boundary error when parsing of the Excel spreadsheet file format. A remote attacker can create a specially crafted .xls file containing a malformed formula embedded inside a cell, trick the victim into opening it, trigger memory corruption 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

Excel Viewer:

Microsoft Excel:

Microsoft Office for Mac: 2004 - 2008

Microsoft Office: 2007

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External links
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/security/ms09-067.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?

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