Zero-day vulnerability in Microsoft Excel

Remote code execution
CVE-2006-3059

Known malware:

Mdropper.J Trojan.

Vulnerability details

Advisory: SB2006071101 - Multiple vulnerabilities in Microsoft Excel

Vulnerable component: Microsoft Excel

CVE-ID: CVE-2006-3059

CVSSv3 score: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:F/RL:O/RC:C

CWE-ID: CWE-119 - Memory corruption

Description:

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

The weakness is due to a stack-based buffer overflow in the HrShellOpenWithMonikerDisplayName() function. By persuading the victim to open a specially crafted Excel file, a remote attacker can cause DoS conditions or execute arbitrary code via a long hyperlink.

Successful exploitation of the vulnerability results in denial of service or arbitrary code execution on the vulnerable system.

Note: this vulnerability was being actively exploited.

Public Exploits:

- Microsoft Excel - Unspecified Remote Code Execution [Exploit-DB]

External links:

https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/security/ms06-037.aspx
http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/394444
https://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/us/threat-encyclopedia/archive/security-advisories/(ms06-037)%20vul...
https://home.mcafee.com/virusinfo/virusprofile.aspx?key=140010
https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/msrc/2006/06/24/an-update-on-recent-public-issues/
https://www.cnet.com/news/buffer-overflow-in-microsoft-hyperlink-object-library/

About zero-day vulnerabilities

Zero-day vulnerability is an undisclosed vulnerability in software that hackers can exploit to compromise computer programs, gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, penetrate networks, etc. We consider vulnerability a zero-day when there is no solution provided from software vendor and the vulnerability is being actively exploited by malicious actors.

Zero-day candidate is a potential zero-day vulnerability in software which might have been used in targeted attacks, however there is no evidence to support this suggestion.