CVE-2003-0666 in Wordperfect Converter
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Microsoft Wordperfect Converter allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via modified data offset and data size parameters in a Corel WordPerfect file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0666 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Microsoft WordPerfect Converter functionality that exists in various versions of Microsoft Office applications. This vulnerability specifically targets the handling of Corel WordPerfect files when they are processed through Microsoft Office's conversion mechanisms, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks. The flaw manifests when the converter encounters malformed data offset and data size parameters within WordPerfect document structures, allowing attackers to manipulate memory allocation and execution flow through carefully crafted malicious files.
From a technical perspective, this buffer overflow occurs due to insufficient bounds checking during the parsing of WordPerfect file formats within Microsoft Office environments. The converter fails to validate the length and positioning parameters of data segments within these documents, enabling attackers to exceed allocated buffer boundaries and overwrite adjacent memory regions. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios. The flaw operates at the intersection of memory management and file format parsing, where the application's failure to properly validate input data leads to arbitrary code execution capabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2003-0666 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass significant security implications for enterprise environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to systems, escalate privileges, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within networks. The remote nature of the attack means that malicious actors can exploit this vulnerability without requiring physical access to target systems, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with remote workers or those utilizing document sharing platforms. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Microsoft Office including Office 2000, Office XP, and Office 2003, creating widespread exposure across enterprise environments that were prevalent during the early 2000s.
Organizations defending against this vulnerability should implement multiple layers of protection including immediate patch deployment for affected Microsoft Office versions, network segmentation to limit exposure, and enhanced file validation protocols for document processing. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1133 for external remote services, indicating the potential for attackers to establish persistent access and execute commands on compromised systems. Security professionals should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of potentially malicious files and deploy intrusion detection systems capable of identifying suspicious file processing patterns. Additionally, user education regarding the dangers of opening unknown or untrusted document files remains crucial in preventing exploitation of this vulnerability through social engineering attacks.