> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://kwcsec.gitbook.io/the-red-team-handbook/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://kwcsec.gitbook.io/the-red-team-handbook/techniques/initial-access/ms-office/dde.md). # DDE DDE is an old MS technology that is used to facilitate data transfer between applications. DDE sends messages between applications that share data and uses shared memory to exchange data between applications. DDE can be embedded in several Office file formats To leverage this attack vector: Open a new MS document and insert a field ![](/files/-Mfsh8oT7qT1fZjqDsgu) It will add an "!Unexpected End of Formula" to the document, we right-click it and "Toggle field codes" : ![](/files/-MfshCKh-lnlI30XRIft) We then replace the = \\\* MERGEFORMAT with the payload: ``` { DDEAUTO "C:\\Programs\\Microsoft\\Office\\MSWord.exe\\..\\..\\..\\windows\\system32\\WindowsPowershell\\v1.0\\powershell.exe start calc # " "required"}​ ``` If we save the document, reopen our document and accept the 2 prompts, calculator will popup. ## Obfuscating Field Codes (todo) --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://kwcsec.gitbook.io/the-red-team-handbook/techniques/initial-access/ms-office/dde.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.