CVE-2004-0901 in Word
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Word for Windows 6.0 Converter (MSWRD632.WPC), as used in WordPad, 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 "Font Conversion Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2004-0571.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0901 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in Microsoft WordPad's handling of rich text format files through the MSWRD632.WPC converter component. This vulnerability specifically affects Microsoft Word for Windows 6.0 Converter and impacts the Windows operating system's built-in WordPad application. The flaw stems from inadequate validation of data length parameters during the font conversion process, creating an exploitable condition that can be triggered through malicious file attachments or web downloads. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates through common file formats including .wri, .rtf, and .doc extensions, which are frequently encountered in email communications and web browsing activities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper bounds checking within the font conversion routine of the MSWRD632.WPC component. When WordPad processes a maliciously crafted document containing specially formatted font data, the application fails to validate the length of incoming data structures before attempting to copy or process them into memory buffers. This oversight allows attackers to craft input data that exceeds the allocated buffer space, resulting in memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios. According to CWE standards, this represents a classic buffer overflow vulnerability classified under CWE-121, which encompasses heap-based buffer overflow conditions.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-0901 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data theft. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install malware, modify system files, or establish persistent backdoors on affected systems. The remote exploitation capability means that users can be compromised simply by opening malicious documents, making this vulnerability particularly effective in phishing campaigns and drive-by download attacks. The vulnerability affects multiple file formats, increasing the attack surface and making detection more challenging for security administrators. Organizations running vulnerable versions of Windows are exposed to significant risk, as the attack vector requires minimal user interaction beyond normal document opening activities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, as well as network-based protections such as email filtering and web content restrictions. System administrators should disable unnecessary file type associations and implement strict file validation policies for document handling. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, highlighting the need for comprehensive endpoint protection measures. Additionally, users should be trained to avoid opening suspicious email attachments or visiting untrusted websites, while security solutions should be configured to monitor for unusual file processing behavior. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted document processing components. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against similar exploitation techniques.