Executive Risk Summary
"A vulnerability in Microsoft Excel allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted macros. This vulnerability affects Microsoft Excel 2000 SP3 through 2003 SP2, Viewer 2003, and Office 2004 for Mac."
Anticipated Attack Path
- 1. An attacker crafts a malicious Excel file with a macro
- 2. The victim opens the malicious Excel file
- 3. The macro executes arbitrary code on the victim's system
Am I Vulnerable?
- Verify that Microsoft Excel is updated to the latest version
- Disable macros in Microsoft Excel unless necessary
- Use alternative spreadsheet software if possible
Operational Audit Arsenal
Target Type Process
Target Asset EXCEL.EXE
Standard Path C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\EXCEL.EXE
PowerShell
# 🛠️ Senior Engineer Universal Audit
# Target: EXCEL.EXE (Process)
$Targets = 'EXCEL.EXE'
$SearchPaths = @("$env:windir\System32", "$env:ProgramFiles", "${env:ProgramFiles(x86)}")
Get-ChildItem -Path $SearchPaths -Include $Targets -Recurse -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue |
Select-Object FullName, @{Name="Version";Expression={$_.VersionInfo.ProductVersion}}Patch Impact Forecast
Reboot Required Likely
Users may experience a brief disruption in service while the patch is applied
Internal Work Notes
Apply MS08-014 patch to Microsoft Excel to prevent arbitrary code execution via crafted macros
Technical Intelligence & Operational Utilities • Delivered Weekly
Intelligence Sources
Official Advisoryhttp://marc.info/?l=bugtraq&m=120585858807305&w=2
Official Advisoryhttp://secunia.com/advisories/28506
Official Advisoryhttp://securitytracker.com/id?1019200
MSRC Advisoryhttp://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/advisory/947563.mspx
Official Advisoryhttp://www.securityfocus.com/bid/27305
Official Advisoryhttp://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA08-071A.html
Official Advisoryhttp://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2008/0146
Official Advisoryhttp://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2008/0846/references
MSRC Advisoryhttps://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2008/ms08-014
Official Advisoryhttps://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/39699
Official Advisoryhttps://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A5546
Official Advisoryhttp://marc.info/?l=bugtraq&m=120585858807305&w=2
Official Advisoryhttp://secunia.com/advisories/28506
Official Advisoryhttp://securitytracker.com/id?1019200
MSRC Advisoryhttp://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/advisory/947563.mspx
Official Advisoryhttp://www.securityfocus.com/bid/27305
Official Advisoryhttp://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA08-071A.html
Official Advisoryhttp://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2008/0146
Official Advisoryhttp://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2008/0846/references
MSRC Advisoryhttps://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2008/ms08-014
Official Advisoryhttps://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/39699
Official Advisoryhttps://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A5546
Related Microsoft Threats
Data compiled from NVD, MSRC, and CISA KEV Catalog. Intelligence synthesized via AI. Scripts provided for diagnostic purposes under MIT License.