I. BACKGROUND
Microsoft Corp.'s PowerPoint Viewer is a viewer for full-featured
presentations created in PowerPoint 97 and later versions. PowerPoint
Viewer 2003 is freely downloadable from Microsoft's website at the
following URL.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=428D5727-43AB
-4F24-90B7-A94784AF71A4
II. DESCRIPTION
Remote exploitation of an integer overflow vulnerability in Microsoft
Corp.'s PowerPoint Viewer 2003 could allow an attacker to execute
arbitrary code in the context of the user running the application.
This vulnerability specifically exists when handling CString objects
embedded in a PowerPoint presentation file. An issue in this object
results in a very small amount of buffer being allocated while a very
large amount of data is copied into it. This leads to an exploitable
heap-based buffer overflow.
III. ANALYSIS
Exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context
of a user opening a malicious presentation using Microsoft PowerPoint
Viewer 2003. In order to exploit this vulnerability, an attacker must
persuade, or otherwise force, a targeted user to open such a document.
This could be accomplished using a direct URL, an e-mail, an instant
message, or even by hijacking a trusted site.
IV. DETECTION
iDefense has confirmed that pptview.exe file version 11.0.5703.0 and
file version 11.0.6566.0, as included in Microsoft Office 2003 SP2, are
vulnerable. Other versions are also likely to be affected.
Version 11.0.8164.0 of pptview.exe, as included in Microsoft Office 2003
SP3, does not appear to be affected.
V. WORKAROUND
iDefense is currently unaware of any effective workaround for this
issue.
VI. VENDOR RESPONSE
Microsoft has officially addressed this vulnerability with Security
Bulletin MS08-051. For more information, consult their bulletin at the
following URL.
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms08-051.mspx
VII. CVE INFORMATION
The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the
name CVE-2008-0120 to this issue. This is a candidate for inclusion in
the CVE list (http://cve.mitre.org/), which
standardizes names for
security problems.
VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE
09/28/2007 Initial vendor notification
09/28/2007 Initial vendor response
08/12/2008 Coordinated public disclosure
IX. CREDIT
This vulnerability was reported to iDefense by Ruben Santamarta from
Reversemode.com.
Get paid for vulnerability research
http://labs.idefense.com/methodology/vulnerability/vcp.php
Free tools, research and upcoming events
http://labs.idefense.com/
X. LEGAL NOTICES
Copyright © 2008 iDefense, Inc.
Permission is granted for the redistribution of this alert electronically. It may not be edited in
any way without the express written consent of iDefense. If you wish to reprint the whole or any
part of this alert in any other medium other than electronically, please e-mail customer service for
permission.
Disclaimer: The information in the advisory is believed to be accurate at the time of publishing
based on currently available information. Use of the information constitutes acceptance for use in
an AS IS condition. There are no warranties with regard to this information. Neither the author nor
the publisher accepts any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage
arising from use of, or reliance on, this information.
