CVE-2004-0571 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Word for Windows 6.0 Converter does not properly validate certain data lengths, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a .wri, .rtf, and .doc file sent by email or malicious web site, aka "Table Conversion Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2004-0901.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/10/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0571 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in Microsoft Word for Windows 6.0 Converter component that affects multiple document formats including .wri, .rtf, and .doc files. This vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of data length parameters during the processing of structured documents, creating a pathway for malicious code execution. The flaw specifically manifests when the converter encounters malformed data structures within these document types, particularly during table conversion operations that are common in rich text formatting. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of software security and document processing, where legitimate document parsing becomes a vector for exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper bounds checking within the Word converter's handling of table structures and associated metadata. When processing maliciously crafted documents, the converter fails to validate the length of table data elements, allowing attackers to craft payloads that exceed allocated buffer sizes. This buffer overflow condition creates an opportunity for arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable software. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient validation of input data length leads to memory corruption. The exploitation mechanism relies on carefully constructed table data that triggers the overflow during document rendering or conversion processes, making it particularly dangerous in email attachments or web-based document delivery scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code remotely through email attachments or web downloads, making it a prime target for mass mailing campaigns and targeted attacks. The vulnerability affects Microsoft Word 6.0 Converter specifically, which was widely deployed in enterprise environments and personal computing systems during the early 2000s. The remote exploitation capability means that victims need only open a malicious document to be compromised, eliminating the need for additional attack vectors. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 by enabling malicious code execution through document processing, and T1068 which covers privilege escalation through application flaws.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0571 require immediate patch deployment from Microsoft as the primary defense mechanism, though organizations should also implement multiple layers of protection including email filtering, web content filtering, and user education about document attachment risks. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can provide additional protection by limiting the potential impact of successful exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and bounds checking in document processing applications, highlighting how seemingly benign file format parsing can become a security liability. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected software versions and implement proper security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a historical example of how legacy software components can remain vulnerable for extended periods, emphasizing the need for regular security updates and proper software lifecycle management practices.