CVE-2015-1641: Microsoft Office Memory Corruption Vulnerability
Microsoft Word 2007 SP3, Office 2010 SP2, Word 2010 SP2, Word 2013 SP1, Word 2013 RT SP1, Word for Mac 2011, Office Compatibility Pack SP3, Word Automation Services on SharePoint Server 2010 SP2 and 2013 SP1, and Office Web Apps Server 2010 SP2 and 2013 SP1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted RTF document, aka "Microsoft Office Memory Corruption Vulnerability."
Other sources
Microsoft Office contains a memory corruption vulnerability due to failure to properly handle rich text format files in memory. Successful exploitation allows for remote code execution in the context of the current user.
— CISA
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Compensating control
Block or filter Rich Text Format (RTF) documents and attachments at email gateways, web proxies and other perimeter controls to prevent delivery of crafted RTF files that could trigger remote code execution.
- Compensating control
Disable automatic previewing/opening of RTF files in email clients and webmail interfaces to avoid exploitation via document preview.
- Compensating control
Segment and isolate systems that process untrusted documents (including those that handle incoming RTF files) and restrict their network access until a remediation is applied.
- Operational
Instruct users not to open RTF attachments or files from untrusted or unexpected sources and to treat RTF files as suspicious.
- Operational
Ensure users run Office applications with least privilege (do not use administrative accounts for routine email/document handling) so that successful exploitation is limited to the current user's privileges.
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2015-1641?
CVE-2015-1641 has a critical severity rating, allowing remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems.
How do I fix CVE-2015-1641?
To fix CVE-2015-1641, apply the latest security updates provided by Microsoft for the affected versions of Word and Office applications.
Which products are affected by CVE-2015-1641?
CVE-2015-1641 affects Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, the Office Compatibility Pack, and several Office Web Apps and SharePoint Server versions.
What types of attacks are possible through CVE-2015-1641?
CVE-2015-1641 could allow attackers to gain control over a system by exploiting the vulnerability through specially crafted documents.
Is CVE-2015-1641 present in Office for Mac?
Yes, CVE-2015-1641 affects Microsoft Word for Mac 2011, making it vulnerable to the same exploitation risks.