CVE-2004-1293 in rtf2latex2e
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the ReadFontTbl function in reader.c for rtf2latex2e 1.0fc2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted RTF file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1293 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the rtf2latex2e document conversion tool version 1.0fc2. This software serves as a utility for converting rich text format files into latex markup, making it a potential target for attackers seeking to exploit document processing applications. The vulnerability specifically resides in the ReadFontTbl function located within the reader.c source file, which handles the parsing of font table data structures within RTF documents. The flaw occurs when the application fails to properly validate the size of font table data before copying it into a fixed-size buffer, creating an exploitable condition that can be triggered through maliciously crafted RTF files.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the font table parsing routine. When rtf2latex2e encounters an RTF document containing a specially constructed font table, the ReadFontTbl function attempts to read font information without enforcing proper bounds checking on the data length. This oversight allows an attacker to craft an RTF file where the font table data exceeds the allocated buffer space, resulting in memory corruption that can be leveraged to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within a document processing context where users might unknowingly open malicious files, making it a prime candidate for social engineering attacks that exploit user trust in document handling applications.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to systems that process RTF documents, particularly in environments where automatic conversion or batch processing is enabled. Attackers can construct RTF files that, when processed by vulnerable versions of rtf2latex2e, will trigger the buffer overflow condition and potentially allow remote code execution with the privileges of the user running the conversion tool. The impact extends beyond individual system compromise as the vulnerability could be exploited in web-based environments where RTF files are processed server-side, potentially enabling attackers to gain unauthorized access to server systems or escalate privileges within network environments. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of unsafe memory handling practices that can be exploited through input manipulation.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1293 primarily focus on immediate software updates and defensive measures. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to patched versions of rtf2latex2e that address the buffer overflow condition in the ReadFontTbl function, as this represents the most effective long-term solution. Additionally, implementing input validation measures such as restricting RTF file processing to trusted sources, employing sandboxing techniques for document handling, and deploying network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious RTF file patterns can provide layered defense. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving execution through libraries and command and control communications, as attackers may use the compromised system to establish persistent access or exfiltrate data. System administrators should also consider implementing strict file type validation and limiting the execution privileges of document processing applications to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.