CVE-2004-1288 in o3read
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the parse_html function in o3read.c for o3read 0.0.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted SXW file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1288 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the o3read library version 0.0.3, specifically within the parse_html function located in the o3read.c source file. This vulnerability exposes systems that utilize the o3read library for processing SXW (OpenOffice.org Writer) documents to potential remote code execution attacks. The buffer overflow occurs when processing malformed SXW files, which are XML-based document formats used by OpenOffice.org Writer applications. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and bounds checking within the parsing routine that handles HTML content embedded within these office documents.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic buffer overflow pattern where the parse_html function fails to properly validate the length of input data before copying it into a fixed-size buffer. When a maliciously crafted SXW file contains oversized HTML content or malformed data structures, the function attempts to write beyond the allocated memory boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data. This memory corruption creates an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through automated means when users open or process SXW documents, making it a prime target for social engineering attacks and automated exploit delivery mechanisms.
From an operational impact perspective, systems running applications that depend on o3read version 0.0.3 are at significant risk of compromise when processing untrusted SXW documents. The vulnerability affects not only direct users of OpenOffice.org Writer but also any applications or services that incorporate the o3read library for document processing, including web applications, content management systems, and automated document conversion services. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to systems, escalate privileges, install malware, or establish persistent backdoors. The remote execution capability means that exploitation does not require local system access, making it particularly dangerous for web-facing applications. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a common attack vector classified under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1288 require immediate action to address the root cause through software updates and input validation improvements. The primary remediation involves upgrading to a patched version of the o3read library that implements proper bounds checking and input validation within the parse_html function. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of systems that process SXW documents, particularly those accessible from untrusted networks. Input filtering and validation should be implemented at multiple layers including application-level sanitization of document content, network-level restrictions on document types, and user education regarding safe document handling practices. Additionally, deploying intrusion detection systems with signatures for known exploit patterns and monitoring for unusual document processing activities can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management and input validation practices in preventing buffer overflow exploits, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines for secure coding practices.