Microsoft Windows Object Linking & Embedding (OLE) Remote Code Execution
CVE-2014-4114 is a high-severity vulnerability in Windows 7 from Microsoft, with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on March 3, 2022, which means attacks have been observed in the wild.
Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.
What to do
- Check which version of Windows 7 you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- CISA's required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
- Read the advisory on docs.microsoft.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft | Windows 7 | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Microsoft | Windows 8 | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Microsoft | Windows 8.1 | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Microsoft | Windows Rt | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Microsoft | Windows Rt 8.1 | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2008 | r2 | Not stated |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2012 | r2 | Not stated |
| Microsoft | Windows Vista | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
Version data comes from NVD's product matching. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Access vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network.
- Access complexity
- MediumSome conditions must be met.
- Authentication
- NoneNo login is needed.
- Confidentiality
- CompleteAll data can be read.
- Integrity
- CompleteAny data can be modified.
- Availability
- CompleteThe system can be shut down completely.
Vector: AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | CISA (ADP) |
| CVSS 2.0 | 9.3 | High | NVD |
Official description
Microsoft Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, and Windows RT Gold and 8.1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted OLE object in an Office document, as exploited in the wild with a "Sandworm" attack in June through October 2014, aka "Windows OLE Remote Code Execution Vulnerability."
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
- Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2014-4114US Government Resource
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- blog.trendmicro.com/trendlabs-security-intelligence/an-analysis-of-windows-zero-day-vulnerability-cve-2014-41…Exploit
- exploit-db.com/exploits/35019Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- exploit-db.com/exploits/35020Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- exploit-db.com/exploits/35055Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
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