Title: Microsoft Word 97 / 2000 Mail Merge Code Execution Vulnerability
Severity: HIGH
Description:
The Mail merge feature provides the ability for users to construct form letters, mailing lists, and catalogs within Microsoft Word. It is typically used in conjunction with a database application to allow the user to merge documents containing addresses and other information into a Word mail merge document.
An issue exists in the interaction between the Word mail merge function and an Access database which is used as a data source via DDE. Word fails to warn a user before executing VBA code embedded in an Access database. The executable object can be launched from a Word document when performing a mail merge operation.
VBA components of the specified database will be read and executed, if they are in a form that is set up to be opened at startup. This includes VBA commands that can run arbitrary system commands. The specified database must be on the victim's local or networked drives, or on an accessible UNC share.
The .doc file must be opened by the victim. The method of delivery for this file (web, email, ftp etc) is irrelevant.
Reportedly, the fix Microsoft released for this issue only disallows the use of dotted UNC paths (such as \\x.y.z.w\). Therefore, it has been reported that this issue can still be exploited using absolute paths. This may be possible if the attacker uses a previously discovered vulnerability or social engineering techniques, to place the Word and Access documents in the same or known location.
Affected Products:
- Microsoft Office 2000
- Microsoft Office 97 0.0.0
- Microsoft Word 2000
- Microsoft Word 2002
- Microsoft Word 97 0.0.0
References:
- Microsoft: Frequently Asked Questions: Microsoft Security Bulletin (MS00-071)
- Microsoft: Q274226: WD2000: Macros Enabled When You Use Access Database File in Microsoft W
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