Cybercriminals Exploit 8-Year-Old Microsoft Office Vulnerability in Ongoing Attacks

TL;DR

Cybercriminals are actively exploiting CVE-2017-11882, an 8-year-old vulnerability in Microsoft Office’s discontinued Equation Editor, despite it being patched in 2017. This vulnerability remains a prime target for keylogger campaigns, highlighting the persistent risks of outdated software. Organizations and individuals must prioritize software updates and security best practices to mitigate such threats.

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Introduction

Nostalgia isn’t just a human sentiment—it’s also a tactic exploited by cybercriminals. While most software vulnerabilities fade into obscurity after being patched, CVE-2017-11882, a critical flaw in Microsoft Office’s Equation Editor, continues to attract malicious actors. Despite the software being discontinued in 2018, threat actors are leveraging this outdated vulnerability to deploy keyloggers and other malware.

This article explores why CVE-2017-11882 remains a persistent threat, the risks it poses, and how organizations can protect themselves.

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Why Is CVE-2017-11882 Still a Target?

1. The Vulnerability’s Legacy

CVE-2017-11882 is a memory corruption vulnerability in Microsoft Office’s Equation Editor (EQNEDT32.EXE). When exploited, it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on a victim’s system, often leading to the installation of keyloggers, ransomware, or spyware.

• Discovered: 2017
• Patched: November 2017 (Microsoft Security Update)
• Software Discontinued: 2018

Despite its age, the vulnerability remains effective because:

• Many organizations fail to apply patches promptly.
• Legacy systems and outdated software lack modern security protections.
• Cybercriminals repurpose old exploits to evade detection by newer security tools.

2. The Role of Keylogger Campaigns

Keyloggers are a favorite tool among cybercriminals due to their ability to steal sensitive information like passwords, credit card details, and intellectual property. Attackers exploit CVE-2017-11882 to:

• Infiltrate systems via malicious Office documents (e.g., Word, Excel).
• Deploy keyloggers silently in the background.
• Exfiltrate data without raising suspicion.

3. Why Outdated Vulnerabilities Persist

Outdated vulnerabilities like CVE-2017-11882 remain attractive to cybercriminals because:

• Lower Detection Rates: Older exploits are less likely to trigger modern antivirus alerts.
• Proven Effectiveness: Attackers reuse exploits that have historically bypassed security measures.
• Targeting Unpatched Systems: Many organizations still use legacy software due to compatibility or budget constraints.

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How to Mitigate the Risk

1. Apply Security Patches Immediately

• Ensure all Microsoft Office applications are updated to the latest version.
• Use automated patch management tools to streamline updates.

2. Disable or Remove Equation Editor

• Microsoft disabled Equation Editor by default in 2018. Verify that it is completely removed from your systems.
• Use modern alternatives like Microsoft’s built-in equation tools.

3. Implement Advanced Threat Protection

• Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious activity.
• Use behavior-based antivirus software to detect and block keyloggers.

4. Educate Employees on Phishing Risks

• Train employees to avoid opening unsolicited Office documents.
• Conduct regular phishing simulations to reinforce cybersecurity awareness.

5. Enforce Least Privilege Access

• Limit user permissions to minimize the impact of potential exploits.
• Restrict administrative access to essential personnel only.

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The Broader Implications

The persistence of CVE-2017-11882 underscores a critical issue in cybersecurity: outdated vulnerabilities never truly disappear. Cybercriminals will continue to exploit unpatched systems as long as they remain viable targets.

Organizations must adopt a proactive security posture that includes:

• Regular vulnerability assessments.
• Continuous monitoring for suspicious activity.
• Investment in modern security infrastructure.

Failure to address these risks could result in data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage.

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Conclusion

The exploitation of CVE-2017-11882 serves as a stark reminder that cybersecurity is an ongoing battle. Even vulnerabilities patched years ago can resurface as potent threats if systems remain unprotected. By prioritizing patch management, employee training, and advanced threat detection, organizations can reduce their exposure to such attacks and safeguard their digital assets.

For further insights, check:

• Microsoft Security Update Guide: CVE-2017-11882
• The Register: Active Attacks Target Office Vulnerability