CVE-2002-1338 in Office Web Components
Summary
by MITRE
The Load method in the Chart component of Office Web Components (OWC) 9 and 10 generates an exception when a specified file does not exist, which allows remote attackers to determine the existence of local files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/17/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1338 resides within the Office Web Components (OWC) 9 and 10 Chart component, specifically within its Load method implementation. This flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that occurs when the component attempts to process a file that does not exist within the system. The vulnerability manifests when a remote attacker can manipulate the Chart component to trigger an exception that reveals whether specific local files are present on the target system. This behavior directly violates fundamental security principles by exposing system state information through error handling mechanisms rather than properly sanitizing inputs or implementing appropriate access controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate error handling within the OWC Chart component's Load method. When the component receives a request to load a file that does not exist, it generates an exception that contains specific information about the file system state. This exception handling mechanism fails to properly sanitize or abstract the error information, allowing attackers to infer the existence of particular files based on the nature of the exception thrown. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through web-based interfaces that utilize OWC components, making it particularly dangerous in web environments where attackers may not have direct access to the underlying system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with a powerful reconnaissance tool for mapping local file systems. By systematically testing various file paths and observing the different exception responses, attackers can build detailed maps of the target system's file structure, potentially identifying sensitive files, configuration data, or system artifacts that could aid in subsequent exploitation attempts. This reconnaissance capability aligns with the ATT&CK technique of "Credential Access" through information gathering, where adversaries collect system information to plan further attacks. The vulnerability also represents a violation of the principle of least privilege, as it allows unauthorized access to file system information that should remain hidden from external entities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate technical flaw and broader security architecture considerations. The most effective approach involves applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates that correct the improper exception handling behavior within the OWC components. Organizations should also implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malformed file paths from reaching the vulnerable Load method, which corresponds to CWE-20 Input Validation and Man-in-the-Middle attacks. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of systems running vulnerable OWC components, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, security awareness training for developers should emphasize proper error handling practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in custom applications that may utilize similar component architectures.