CVE-2014-6332
Microsoft Windows Object Linking & Embedding (OLE) Automation Array Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Description
CVE-2014-6332 is a high-severity buffer overflow vulnerability affecting Microsoft Windows. OleAut32.dll in OLE in Microsoft Windows allows remote attackers to remotely execute code via a crafted web site. An attacker can exploit this flaw without authentication over the network, requiring user interaction. CISA has added this vulnerability to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. The EPSS score of 94.09% (99.9th percentile) indicates a significantly elevated exploitation probability.
KEV Information
CVSS Score
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HOpen in CalculatorAffected Products
| Vendor | Product | Version |
|---|---|---|
| microsoft | windows 7 | - |
| microsoft | windows 8 | - |
| microsoft | windows 8.1 | - |
| microsoft | windows rt | - |
| microsoft | windows rt 8.1 | - |
| microsoft | windows server 2003 | - |
| microsoft | windows server 2008 | -; r2 |
| microsoft | windows server 2012 | -; r2 |
| microsoft | windows vista | - |
References
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/134053/Avant-Browser-Lite-Ultimate-Remote-Code-Execution.html(Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry)
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/134061/The-World-Browser-3.0-Final-Remote-Code-Execution.html(Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry)
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/134062/HTML-Compiler-Remote-Code-Execution.html(Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry)
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/134064/Microsoft-Compiled-HTML-Help-Remote-Code-Execution.html(Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry)
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/134079/Winamp-Bento-Browser-Remote-Code-Execution.html(Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry)
- http://securityintelligence.com/ibm-x-force-researcher-finds-significant-vulnerability-in-microsoft-windows(Exploit, Third Party Advisory)
- http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/158647(Third Party Advisory, US Government Resource)
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/70952(Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry)
- http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1031184(Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry)
- http://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA14-318B(Third Party Advisory, US Government Resource)
- https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2014/ms14-064(Patch, Vendor Advisory)
- https://forsec.nl/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/ms14_064_ie_olerce.rb_.txt(Exploit, Third Party Advisory)
- https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/37668/(Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry)
- https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/37800/(Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry)
- https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/38500/(Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry)
- https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/38512/(Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry)
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2014-6332(US Government Resource)
Weakness Type
CWE-119: Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer
Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer occurs when software performs operations on a memory buffer but can read from or write to a memory location that is outside the intended boundary of the buffer. This is the parent category for many specific buffer error types including buffer overflows (CWE-120), buffer underflows, out-of-bounds reads (CWE-125), and out-of-bounds writes (CWE-787). In the case of CVE-2014-6332, this weakness allows attackers to compromise Microsoft Windows systems.
Learn more: CWE-119 — Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer
Impact Analysis
CVE-2014-6332 carries a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 (HIGH), reflecting the serious risk it poses to affected environments. Successful exploitation can lead to complete compromise of data confidentiality, full system integrity compromise, and complete denial of service. The attack vector is network-based with low complexity, meaning exploitation is straightforward and can be reliably repeated. Organizations running Microsoft Windows face tangible risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and operational disruption if this vulnerability remains unpatched.
Exploit Maturity
CVE-2014-6332 is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog with a remediation deadline of 2022-04-15, confirming that real-world exploitation has been observed. The EPSS score of 94.09% (99.9th percentile) places this vulnerability among those most likely to be exploited. Public exploit code is available in vulnerability databases, lowering the barrier for attackers and increasing the urgency of remediation.
Remediation
- Apply updates per vendor instructions. This is the CISA-mandated remediation action and should be prioritized immediately.
- If patches cannot be applied immediately, restrict network access to the affected Windows management interfaces to only trusted administrative networks using firewall rules or access control lists.
- Monitor vendor security advisories for additional updates and ensure a patch management process is in place for timely deployment.
- Conduct a thorough review of affected systems for signs of prior compromise, including unexpected user accounts, modified configurations, and unusual network activity.
- Implement defense-in-depth measures including network segmentation, intrusion detection systems, and continuous security monitoring for the affected infrastructure.
Technical Details
CVE-2014-6332 is exploitable remotely over the network without any prior authentication. OleAut32.dll in OLE in Microsoft Windows allows remote attackers to remotely execute code via a crafted web site. The attack complexity is rated low, meaning no specialized conditions or preparation are needed beyond network access to the target. The scope is unchanged, meaning the impact is confined to the vulnerable component. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 reflects the combination of these factors and the potential for significant damage to affected systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CVE-2014-6332 being actively exploited?
Yes. CISA has confirmed active exploitation by adding CVE-2014-6332 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. The EPSS score of 94.09% (99.9th percentile) further indicates high exploitation likelihood.
What products are affected by CVE-2014-6332?
CVE-2014-6332 affects Microsoft Windows. Specifically, affected products include microsoft windows 7, microsoft windows 8, microsoft windows 8.1, microsoft windows rt, microsoft windows rt 8.1, and others.
How do I fix CVE-2014-6332?
Apply updates per vendor instructions. Ensure your systems are updated to the latest patched version. If immediate patching is not feasible, restrict network access to the affected system's management interfaces.
How severe is CVE-2014-6332?
CVE-2014-6332 has a CVSS 3.1 score of 8.8 (HIGH). This is a high-severity vulnerability that poses significant risk and requires prompt remediation. The vulnerability enables unauthenticated remote attackers to potentially compromise affected Windows systems.
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