Microsoft Office and WordPad Remote Code Execution
CVE-2017-0199 is a high-severity vulnerability in Office/WordPad from Microsoft, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on November 3, 2021, which means attacks have been observed in the wild, including in ransomware campaigns.
Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.
What to do
- Check which version of Office/WordPad 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 portal.msrc.microsoft.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft | Office/WordPad | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Microsoft | Office | 2007; 2010; 2013; 2016 | Not stated |
| Microsoft | Windows 7 | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2008 | r2 | Not stated |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2012 | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Microsoft | Windows Vista | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Philips | Intellispace Portal | 7.0; 8.0 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | CISA (ADP) |
| CVSS 2.0 | 9.3 | High | NVD |
Official description
Microsoft Office 2007 SP3, Microsoft Office 2010 SP2, Microsoft Office 2013 SP1, Microsoft Office 2016, Microsoft Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted document, aka "Microsoft Office/WordPad Remote Code Execution Vulnerability w/Windows API."
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
- ics-cert.us-cert.gov/advisories/ICSMA-18-058-02Third Party Advisory, US Government Resource
- exploit-db.com/exploits/42995/Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2017-0199US Government Resource
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- rewtin.blogspot.nl/2017/04/cve-2017-0199-practical-exploitation-poc.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory
- blog.nviso.be/2017/04/12/analysis-of-a-cve-2017-0199-malicious-rtf-document/Exploit, Third Party Advisory
- exploit-db.com/exploits/41894/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- exploit-db.com/exploits/41934/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- mdsec.co.uk/2017/04/exploiting-cve-2017-0199-hta-handler-vulnerability/Exploit, Third Party Advisory
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