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Vulnerability record · CVE-2013-3906 · published 6 November 2013

CVE-2013-3906: Microsoft GDI+ TIFF parsing code execution via crafted image

Microsoft · Excel Viewer

GDI+ in multiple Microsoft products fails to properly handle crafted TIFF images, allowing memory corruption that leads to arbitrary code execution. The flaw affects Windows Vista and Server 2008, several Office versions and viewers, the Office Compatibility Pack, and Lync, and was exploited in the wild in late 2013. It matters because a document or image alone can trigger code execution on an unpatched host.

7.8 CVSS 3.1 High CISA KEV since 15 Feb 2022 EPSS 85% · top 0.3% CWE-94 · Code injection
7.8CVSS 3.1 base score, v2 9.3
85%EPSS exploitation probability, 30 days
YesIn CISA KEV, fix deadline passed
8Affected product versions listed by NVD
11References, 6 tagged exploit
16 Jun 2026Last modified by NVD

Description

GDI+ in Microsoft Windows Vista SP2 and Server 2008 SP2; Office 2003 SP3, 2007 SP3, and 2010 SP1 and SP2; Office Compatibility Pack SP3; and Lync 2010, 2010 Attendee, 2013, and Basic 2013 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted TIFF image, as demonstrated by an image in a Word document, and exploited in the wild in October and November 2013.

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Automated analysis

Generated by VULONE's analysis model from the NVD record, CISA KEV and EPSS data on 17 September 2026. Confidence: high.

high priorityIt is in CISA KEV with confirmed in-the-wild exploitation and a very high EPSS score, though the required user interaction and legacy affected products temper it below critical.

What it is

GDI+ in multiple Microsoft products fails to properly handle crafted TIFF images, allowing memory corruption that leads to arbitrary code execution. The flaw affects Windows Vista and Server 2008, several Office versions and viewers, the Office Compatibility Pack, and Lync, and was exploited in the wild in late 2013. It matters because a document or image alone can trigger code execution on an unpatched host.

Impact

An attacker who gets a crafted TIFF in front of a victim can execute arbitrary code in the context of the affected application or user. Given the products involved, that typically means full user-level control of the workstation.

Attack surface

Reached locally through a malicious TIFF image, for example embedded in a Word document or delivered as a file the user opens. The CVSS vector shows no privileges required but user interaction required, so the victim must open or preview the crafted file.

Exploitation

Listed in CISA KEV since 2022-02-15 and reported as exploited in the wild in October and November 2013, with public exploit references. EPSS is very high at roughly 0.85 probability over 30 days.

What to do

  • Apply the Microsoft updates referenced in MS13-096 and advisory 2896666 to all affected Windows, Office, viewer, Compatibility Pack, and Lync installations.
  • Prioritize patching any internet-facing or email-reachable systems still running Vista, Server 2008, Office 2003/2007/2010, or Lync 2010/2013.
  • Block or strip untrusted TIFF attachments at mail and web gateways, and disable TIFF preview handlers where feasible.
  • Where legacy systems cannot be patched, isolate them and restrict document and image opening to trusted sources.
  • Verify patch coverage against the KEV due date and track any remaining unpatched assets as exceptions.

Detection

  • Hunt for Office, Lync, or Windows graphics processes spawning unexpected child processes such as cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or script hosts.
  • Monitor for TIFF files written to temp or download directories shortly before process creation by Office or Lync.
  • Alert on crashes or memory corruption events in GDI+ related modules (for example gdiplus.dll) tied to document or image opening.
  • Review proxy and mail logs for TIFF attachments from untrusted senders reaching affected hosts.

This assessment is produced automatically and is not human-reviewed. Verify against the vendor advisory before acting on it.

Exploitation in the wild

CISA added CVE-2013-3906 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 15 February 2022 as "Microsoft Graphics Component Memory Corruption Vulnerability". Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions. Federal deadline 15 August 2022.

Affected products

8 vulnerable configurations from NVD's CPE data, grouped by vendor and product.

References

LinkTags
http://blogs.mcafee.com/mcafee-labs/mcafee-labs-detects-zero-day-exploit-targeting-microsoft-office-2 Broken LinkExploit
http://blogs.technet.com/b/srd/archive/2013/11/05/cve-2013-3906-a-graphics-vulnerability-exploited-through-word-document Broken LinkExploit
http://technet.microsoft.com/security/advisory/2896666 PatchVendor Advisory
http://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/30011 ExploitThird Party AdvisoryVDB Entry
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2013/ms13-096 PatchVendor Advisory
http://blogs.mcafee.com/mcafee-labs/mcafee-labs-detects-zero-day-exploit-targeting-microsoft-office-2 Broken LinkExploit
http://blogs.technet.com/b/srd/archive/2013/11/05/cve-2013-3906-a-graphics-vulnerability-exploited-through-word-document Broken LinkExploit
http://technet.microsoft.com/security/advisory/2896666 PatchVendor Advisory
http://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/30011 ExploitThird Party AdvisoryVDB Entry
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2013/ms13-096 PatchVendor Advisory
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2013-3906 US Government Resource

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Source: NIST National Vulnerability Database (record CVE-2013-3906), CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS (scores of 2026-09-24). This page is refreshed as NVD updates the record.