CVE-2023-32541 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A detailed insight into the use-after-free vulnerability in Hancom Office 2020 HWord 11.0.0.7520, its impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.

Understanding CVE-2023-32541

This article provides crucial information related to CVE-2023-32541, a security vulnerability found in Hancom Office 2020.

What is CVE-2023-32541?

CVE-2023-32541 is a use-after-free vulnerability discovered in the footerr functionality of Hancom Office 2020 HWord 11.0.0.7520. It allows an attacker to craft a malicious .doc file to trigger the use-after-free, potentially leading to the execution of arbitrary code.

The Impact of CVE-2023-32541

The vulnerability poses a high severity threat with a CVSS base score of 8.8. An attacker can exploit this flaw by enticing a user to open a specially crafted file, leading to potential disclosure of sensitive information, integrity violations, and service disruption.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-32541

Explore the specifics of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, versions, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The use-after-free vulnerability in Hancom Office 2020 HWord 11.0.0.7520 arises from improper handling of objects in memory. By manipulating memory allocation, an attacker can execute arbitrary code, compromise system integrity, and jeopardize data confidentiality.

Affected Systems and Versions

Hancom Office 2020 with HWord version 11.0.0.7520 is confirmed to be impacted by this vulnerability. Users of this specific version are at risk of exploitation and should take immediate action to mitigate the threat.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-32541 requires the generation of a specially crafted .doc file. By tricking a user into opening the malicious document, the attacker can trigger the use-after-free condition, leading to the execution of malicious payloads.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the necessary steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2023-32541 and secure vulnerable systems against potential attacks.

Immediate Steps to Take

To address the vulnerability, users of Hancom Office 2020 HWord 11.0.0.7520 should consider temporarily discontinuing the use of affected versions, implementing security updates, and exercising caution when opening document files from untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Establishing robust security protocols, conducting regular security audits, and staying informed about software vulnerabilities are essential for long-term protection against emerging threats.

Patching and Updates

Vendor-issued patches addressing the use-after-free vulnerability in Hancom Office 2020 HWord 11.0.0.7520 should be promptly applied to ensure comprehensive protection against potential exploitation.