CVE-2014-4114

CVE-2014-4114 is a significant vulnerability that lies within the design or implementation of software. This flaw specifically targets the Microsoft Windows OLE Package Manager, enabling remote code execution. The exploit was primarily used in .pps files, which are PowerPoint presentation files, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations that frequently use these types of documents. This vulnerability played a key role in the infamous Sandworm attack, which targeted American and European entities in October 2014. The Sandworm attack leveraged the CVE-2014-4114 vulnerability to infiltrate various systems, exploiting the weakness in the Microsoft Windows OLE Package Manager. This marked it as the third zero-day vulnerability related to targeted attacks against diverse organizations during this period. While Symantec did not locate the original emails used in the attack, it did identify the use of an exploit designed to take advantage of the CVE-2014-4114 vulnerability. This exploit was embedded within Microsoft Office documents, demonstrating the broad reach and potential impact of this vulnerability. It underscores the importance of regular software updates and robust cybersecurity measures to guard against such threats.