VUPEN Security Research - Microsoft Office Excel Record Processing Code 
Execution Vulnerability

http://www.vupen.com/english/research.php


I. BACKGROUND
---------------------

"Microsoft Office Excel is a powerful tool you can use to create and
format spreadsheets, and analyze and share information to make more
informed decisions. With the Microsoft Office Fluent user interface,
rich data visualization, and PivotTable views, professional-looking
charts are easier to create and use." (microsoft.com)


II. DESCRIPTION
--------------------- 

VUPEN Vulnerability Research Team discovered a critical vulnerability
affecting Microsoft Office Excel.

The flaw is caused by a memory corruption error when processing
malformed "EntExU2" records in an Excel document, which could be
exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary code.


III. AFFECTED PRODUCTS
--------------------------------

Microsoft Office Excel 2002 Service Pack 3
Microsoft Office XP Service Pack 3


IV. Exploits - PoCs & Binary Analysis
----------------------------------------

In-depth binary analysis of the vulnerability and a code exeution
exploit have been released by VUPEN through the VUPEN Binary Analysis
& Exploits Service :

http://www.vupen.com/exploits


V. SOLUTION
---------------- 

Apply security update (MS10-017):
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms10-017.mspx


VI. CREDIT
-------------- 

The vulnerability was discovered by Nicolas JOLY of VUPEN Security


VII. ABOUT VUPEN Security
---------------------------------

VUPEN is a leading IT security research company providing vulnerability
management and security intelligence solutions which enable enterprises
and institutions to eliminate vulnerabilities before they can be
exploited, ensure security policy compliance and meaningfully measure
and manage risks.

VUPEN also provides in-depth binary analysis of vulnerabilities and
commercial-grade exploit codes to help security vendors, governments,
and corporations to evaluate and qualify risks, and protect their
infrastructures and assets.

* VUPEN Vulnerability Notification Service:

http://www.vupen.com/english/services

* VUPEN Binary Analysis & Exploits Service :

http://www.vupen.com/exploits


VIII. REFERENCES
----------------------

http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2010/0566
http://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2010-0257
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms10-017.mspx



IX. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE
----------------------------------- 

2009-07-17 - Vendor notified
2009-07-19 - Vendor response
2010-01-26 - Status update received
2010-03-03 - Status update received
2010-03-09 - Coordinated public Disclosure