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9.3

Expression Design can load malicious files from its folder

CVE-2012-0016 · published 14 years ago
Summary

Microsoft Expression Design and its updates may load a library file from the folder where a design file is opened. If a malicious DLL is placed there, a local user could gain higher privileges on the system. Keep the software updated and ensure only trusted files are stored in directories used by Expression Design.

What to do

The CVE record does not list a fixed version. Check the vendor's site or the advisory links below - a fix may already be released.

Affected software
VendorProductAffected versions
microsoft expression_design 2
3
4
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:expression_design:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Original advisory text
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Microsoft Expression Design; Expression Design SP1; and Expression Design 2, 3, and 4 allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in the curr...
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Microsoft Expression Design; Expression Design SP1; and Expression Design 2, 3, and 4 allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in the current working directory, as demonstrated by a directory that contains a .xpr or .DESIGN file, aka "Expression Design Insecure Library Loading Vulnerability."
References
Fix within
Internet-facing 14 days
Internal At next upgrade
  • Not known to be exploited
  • Needs hands-on effort to exploit (estimated)
  • Gives an attacker full control (estimated)
Severity
9.3 Critical
Exploitation
18% chance of attack within 30 days
Timeline
Published13 Mar 2012
Updated27 Oct 2026
First seen29 Sep 2026
Sources
CVE-2012-0016 · NVD
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