Microsoft Excel macro allows attacker to execute code

excel-macro-execute-code (13681)

High Risk

Description:

Multiple releases of Microsoft Excel could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system, caused by a vulnerability in the method used when the spreadsheet is checked for macros. A remote attacker can create an Excel spreadsheet containing a malicious macro, allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system, change data or security settings, or reformat the hard drive, once the victim opens the spreadsheet. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by creating a malicious Web page and hosting it on a Web site or by sending it to a victim as an HTML email.

Platforms Affected:

• Microsoft, Excel 2000
• Microsoft, Excel 2002
• Microsoft, Excel 97

Remedy:

Apply the appropriate patch for your system, as listed in the latest Microsoft Security Bulletin. See References.

— OR —

Use Microsoft Automatic Update if it is supported by your operating system. The original bulletin issued by Microsoft has been superseded.

Consequences:

Gain Access

References:

• CIAC Information Bulletin O-023, Microsoft Word and Excel Vulnerabilities at http://www.ciac.org/ciac/bulletins/o-023.shtml.
• Microsoft Security Bulletin MS03-050, Vulnerability in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel Could Allow Arbitrary Code to Run (831527) at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms03-050.mspx.
• Microsoft Security Bulletin MS04-033, Vulnerability in Microsoft Excel Could Allow Remote Code Execution (886836) at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms04-033.mspx.
• Microsoft Security Bulletin MS06-012, Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Office Could Allow Remote Code Execution (905413) at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms06-012.mspx.
• Microsoft Security Bulletin MS06-037, Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Excel Could Allow Remote Code Execution (917285) at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms06-037.mspx.
• Microsoft Security Bulletin MS06-059, Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Excel Could Allow Remote Code Execution (924164) at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms06-059.mspx.
• Microsoft Security Bulletin MS07-002, Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Excel Could Allow Remote Code Execution (927198) at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/MS07-002.mspx.
• Microsoft Security Bulletin MS07-023, Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Excel Could Allow Remote Code Execution (934233) at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms07-023.mspx.
• Microsoft Security Bulletin MS07-036, Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Excel Could Allow Remote Code Execution (936542) at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/ms07-036.mspx.
• Microsoft Security Bulletin MS07-044, Vulnerability in Microsoft Excel Could Allow Remote Code Execution (940965) at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms07-044.mspx.
• Microsoft Security Bulletin MS08-014, Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Excel Could Allow Remote Code Execution (949029) at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS08-014.mspx.
• Microsoft Security Bulletin MS08-026, Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Word Could Allow Remote Code Execution (951207) at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms08-026.mspx.
• Microsoft Security Bulletin MS08-042, Vulnerability in Microsoft Word Could Allow Remote Code Execution (955048) at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms08-042.mspx.
• Microsoft Security Bulletin MS08-043, Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Excel Could Allow Remote Code Execution (954066) at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms08-043.mspx.
• Microsoft Security Bulletin MS08-051, Vulnerabilities in Microsoft PowerPoint Could Allow Remote Code Execution (949785) at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/MS08-051.mspx.
• Microsoft Security Bulletin MS08-052, Vulnerabilities in GDI+ Could Allow Remote Code Execution (954593) at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/MS08-052.mspx.
• Microsoft Security Bulletin MS08-057, Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Excel Could Allow Remote Code Execution (956416) at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms08-057.mspx.
• BID-9010: Microsoft Excel XLM Macro Security Level Bypass Vulnerability
• CVE-2003-0821: Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, and 2002 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a spreadsheet with a malicious XLM (Excel 4) macro that bypasses the macro security model.

Reported:

Nov 11, 2003

The information within this database may change without notice. Use of this information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition. There are NO warranties, implied or otherwise, with regard to this information or its use. Any use of this information is at the user's risk. In no event shall the author/distributor (Internet Security Systems X-Force) be held liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of or in connection with the use or spread of this information.

Copyright (c) 1994-2008 Internet Security Systems, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.

For corrections or additions please email xforce@iss.net

Return to the main page