CVE-2013-1323

Microsoft Publisher 2003 SP3 does not properly handle NULL values for unspecified data items, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a…

published May 15, 2013

CVSS
—
EPSS
21%
Percentile
97.5
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

⚠️ A crafty NULL value is causing a stir! Microsoft Publisher 2003 SP3 isn’t handling NULLs properly, which could let remote attackers execute their code with just a specially crafted Publisher file. 💼 Think of it as a restaurant where the chef receives a recipe with missing ingredients—without proper checks, they might whip up something entirely unexpected that could spoil the meal! An attacker could potentially execute arbitrary code on the victim's machine, leading to unauthorized actions, data loss, or even total system compromise. The risks are particularly concerning if users open documents from untrusted sources—could spell disaster!

Put simply

Think of it as a restaurant where the chef receives a recipe with missing ingredients—without proper checks, they might whip up something entirely unexpected that could spoil the meal! This vulnerability arises because Microsoft Publisher 2003 SP3 fails to manage NULL values in unspecified data items correctly. As a result, attackers can exploit this gap by crafting malicious Publisher files, ultimately leading to code execution.

What to do

An attacker could potentially execute arbitrary code on the victim's machine, leading to unauthorized actions, data loss, or even total system compromise. The risks are particularly concerning if users open documents from untrusted sources—could spell disaster! While there's no known exploitation yet, it's smart to tighten your defenses! Avoid opening Publisher files from untrusted sources, and consider migrating to a later version of Microsoft Publisher for improved security. Regularly monitor for patches and updates as well. You've got this! Staying informed and cautious will keep your systems secure. 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.20766 · 97.5th percentile
Published
2013-05-15T01:00Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 15 MAY 01:00Z
    Microsoft Publisher 2003 SP3 does not properly handle NULL values for unspecified data items, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a…
    cvelistv5