Microsoft Office CVE-2017-0281 Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Description

Microsoft Office is prone to a remote code-execution vulnerability. An attacker can leverage this issue to execute arbitrary code in the context of the affected application. Failed exploit attempts will likely result in denial-of-service conditions.

Technologies Affected

• Microsoft Office 2007 Service Pack 3
• Microsoft Office 2010 Service Pack 2 (32-bit editions)
• Microsoft Office 2010 Service Pack 2 (64-bit editions)
• Microsoft Office 2013 Service Pack 1 (32-bit editions)
• Microsoft Office 2013 Service Pack 1 (64-bit editions)
• Microsoft Office 2016 (32-bit edition)
• Microsoft Office 2016 (64-bit edition)
• Microsoft Office Online Server 2016
• Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2010 SP2
• Microsoft Office Web Apps 2010 SP2
• Microsoft Office Web Apps 2013 SP1
• Microsoft Project Server 2013 Service Pack 1
• Microsoft SharePoint Enterprise Server 2013
• Microsoft SharePoint Enterprise Server 2016
• Microsoft SharePoint Foundation 2013 SP1
• Microsoft Skype for Business 2016 (32-bit)
• Microsoft Skype for Business 2016 (64-bit)
• Microsoft Word 2016 (32-bit edition)
• Microsoft Word 2016 (64-bit edition)

Recommendations

Block external access at the network boundary, unless external parties require service.
Filter access to the affected computer at the network boundary if global access isn’t required. Restricting access to only trusted computers and networks might greatly reduce the likelihood of exploits.

Deploy network intrusion detection systems to monitor network traffic for malicious activity.
Deploy NIDS to monitor network traffic for anomalous or suspicious activity. Monitor logs generated by NIDS and by the server itself for evidence of attacks against the server.

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.

Permit privileged access for trusted individuals only.
Permitting access to vulnerable applications for trusted individuals only can reduce the risk of an exploit.

Updates are available. Please see the references or vendor advisory for more information.