Microsoft PowerPoint (CVE-2010-2573) Heap Corruption Vulnerability

Description

Microsoft PowerPoint is prone to a remote heap-corruption vulnerability. An attacker can exploit this issue to execute arbitrary code with user-level privileges, facilitating the complete compromise of an affected computer. Failed exploit attempts will result in a denial-of-service condition.

Technologies Affected

• Microsoft Office 2003 SP3
• Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac
• Microsoft Office XP SP3
• Microsoft PowerPoint 2002 SP1
• Microsoft PowerPoint 2002
• Microsoft PowerPoint 2002 SP2
• Microsoft PowerPoint 2002 SP3
• Microsoft PowerPoint 2003
• Microsoft PowerPoint 2003 SP1
• Microsoft PowerPoint 2003 SP2
• Microsoft PowerPoint 2003 SP3
• Microsoft PowerPoint 2004 for Mac
• Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer SP2

Recommendations

Block external access at the network boundary, unless external parties require service.
If global access isn’t needed, filter access to the affected computer at the network boundary. Restricting access to only trusted computers and networks might greatly reduce the likelihood of a successful exploit.

Deploy network intrusion detection systems to monitor network traffic for malicious activity.
Deploy NIDS to monitor network traffic for signs of anomalous or suspicious activity. This includes but is not limited to requests that include NOP sleds and unexplained incoming and outgoing traffic. This may indicate exploit attempts or activity that results from a successful exploit.

Do not accept or execute files from untrusted or unknown sources.
To reduce the likelihood of successful exploits, never handle files that originate from unfamiliar or untrusted sources.

Implement multiple redundant layers of security.
Various memory-protection schemes (such as nonexecutable and randomly mapped memory segments) may hinder an attacker’s ability to exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code.

Vendor updates are available. Please see the references for more information.