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CVE-2012-1856 is a remote code execution vulnerability in the TabStrip ActiveX control in Microsoft Windows Common Controls. Processing a specially crafted document or web page can corrupt system state and permit arbitrary code execution with the current user's privileges. The vulnerable component was distributed with Microsoft Office, Office Web Components, SQL Server, Commerce Server, Host Integration Server, Visual FoxPro, and Visual Basic 6.0 Runtime. Affected Office releases include Office 2003 SP3, Office 2007 SP2 and SP3, and 32-bit Office 2010 SP1. The vulnerability was exploited in limited, targeted attacks when Microsoft released MS12-060 in August 2012.
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No public exploit code observed for this vulnerability.
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A critical remote code execution vulnerability in the TabStrip ActiveX control contained in Windows Common Controls (MSCOMCTL.OCX). The control corrupts system state, allowing arbitrary code execution when a user opens a specially crafted document or views a malicious webpage through Internet Explorer. Code runs with the logged-on user's privileges, potentially enabling complete system takeover for administrative users. Microsoft reported limited targeted exploitation attempts at bulletin release, but no published proof-of-concept code. MS12-060 provides updates that disable the vulnerable control using a kill bit and replace the vulnerable component. Workarounds include disabling affected ActiveX controls, blocking untrusted RTF documents, restricting browser scripting, and using least-privileged accounts.
An older vulnerability referenced for comparison because the same TabStrip ActiveX controls were used for heap spraying in the analyzed exploit chain.
A patched RTF-related Microsoft Office vulnerability referenced as part of a set of older exploits used to weaponize RTF documents in espionage campaigns; the report does not provide technical details beyond inclusion in the exploit set.
A vulnerability exploited by Patchwork for code execution (product not specified in the content).
Query your assets running an affected version, and investigate the blast radius.
Every observed campaign linking this CVE to a named adversary.
Malware families riding this exploit, with evidence and IOCs.
YARA, Sigma, Snort, and vendor rules, auto-deployed to your SIEM.
Cross-references every affected SKU, including bundled OEM variants.
Community discussion across Reddit, Mastodon, and other social sources.