Title: Microsoft Word .asd Macro File Execution Vulnerability
Severity: MODERATE
Description:
Microsoft Word has a security feature which prompts a user before opening a document containing macros. A vulnerability exists in the security feature which could enable macros within .asd files to run without the user's knowledge.
AutoRecover is a file recovery feature used in Word, a copy of the current document is saved as an AutoRecover file(.asd). These files are stored in a default location unless specified by the user. If Word fails to function properly (ie. Word crashes) while composing a document, AutoRecover files can be used to reinstate the lost file. When Word is started up it automatically checks for .asd files in the default file location.
Due to a flaw in the checking of macros contained in files, Word fails to check .asd files for macros. If an .asd file containing a macro exists in the default location for AutoRecover files, upon starting Word the macro will execute without the user's knowledge.
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could assist in further attacks against the target, and possibly lead to a complete compromise of the target user's system.
Affected Products:
- Microsoft Office 2000
- Microsoft Word 2000
References:
- Microsoft: WD2000: Macros Enabled When Word Automatically Opens ASD Files
- Microsoft: Word 2000 Update: Mail Merge Security
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