CVE-2004-0848 in Office
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Microsoft Office XP allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a link with a URL file location containing long inputs after (1) "%00 (null byte) in .doc filenames or (2) "%0a" (carriage return) in .rtf filenames.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-0848 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Microsoft Office XP that enables remote code execution through maliciously crafted document files. This vulnerability specifically affects the handling of filename inputs during document processing, creating a pathway for attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. The flaw manifests when Office XP processes documents with specially crafted filenames containing null bytes or carriage return characters, exploiting weaknesses in input validation and memory management within the application's file handling routines.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through two distinct but related attack vectors that leverage different file format processing mechanisms. The first vector involves the insertion of null byte characters "%00" within .doc filename extensions, while the second exploits carriage return characters "%0a" within .rtf filename extensions. Both attack methods capitalize on insufficient bounds checking and improper memory allocation during the parsing of file location data. When Office XP encounters these malformed inputs, the application fails to properly terminate string buffers or validate input length, resulting in memory corruption that can be leveraged to overwrite critical memory locations with malicious code. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 buffer overflow category, specifically classified as a heap-based buffer overflow when the vulnerable code allocates memory dynamically and fails to account for proper boundary checking.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-0848 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass significant security implications for enterprise environments relying on Microsoft Office XP. Attackers can potentially gain full system control through this vulnerability, enabling them to install malware, create backdoors, access sensitive data, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can deliver malicious documents through email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing mechanisms without requiring local system access. This makes it particularly dangerous for organizations with limited network segmentation or outdated security measures, as a single compromised user account could lead to widespread system compromise. The vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK tactics including initial access through malicious files, execution via legitimate system binaries, and privilege escalation through code injection techniques that leverage the application's elevated privileges during document processing.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of Microsoft Office XP installations through official security updates from Microsoft, as the company released specific patches addressing the buffer overflow conditions in affected versions. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies that prevent execution of documents with suspicious filename patterns containing null bytes or control characters, while also deploying network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block malicious file transfers containing these exploit patterns. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of Office applications to known good files and disable automatic document opening features that could trigger the vulnerable code paths. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in software development, particularly for applications that process untrusted data from external sources, and serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular security updates and comprehensive vulnerability management programs.