CVE-2004-2167 in Latex2rtf
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in LaTeX2rtf 1.9.15, and possibly other versions, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via (1) the expandmacro function, and possibly (2) Environments and (3) TranslateCommand.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2167 represents a critical security flaw in LaTeX2rtf version 1.9.15 and potentially other iterations of this document conversion tool. This software serves as a bridge between latex and rich text format documents, enabling users to convert latex files into editable word processor formats. The vulnerability stems from multiple buffer overflow conditions that occur during the processing of specific latex commands and environments, creating potential entry points for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through three distinct attack vectors within the LaTeX2rtf processing pipeline. The first vector involves the expandmacro function which fails to properly validate input lengths when handling macro expansions, allowing attackers to craft specially formatted latex input that exceeds allocated buffer boundaries. The second vector targets the Environments processing component where insufficient bounds checking occurs during the parsing of latex environments, while the third vector affects the TranslateCommand functionality which similarly lacks adequate input validation mechanisms. These buffer overflows occur because the application does not implement proper bounds checking or input sanitization before copying data into fixed-size memory buffers, a classic vulnerability pattern that aligns with CWE-121 and CWE-122 classification standards.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution privileges, as it enables remote attackers to gain complete control over affected systems. When exploited, these buffer overflows can result in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected application, potentially leading to system compromise, data theft, or further network infiltration. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries need only send specially crafted latex documents to vulnerable systems, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where document processing occurs automatically or where users receive external documents. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes the exploitation of software vulnerabilities to gain system access, and represents a significant risk to organizations relying on latex document processing workflows.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-2167 require immediate action to address the underlying buffer overflow conditions. The most effective approach involves upgrading to a patched version of LaTeX2rtf that implements proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing input sanitization measures at the application level, including strict validation of all latex input before processing, and limiting the size of documents processed by the application. Network-level defenses such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help prevent exploitation attempts, while application whitelisting and privilege separation can limit potential damage if exploitation occurs. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify other potential buffer overflow vulnerabilities in similar document processing applications, as these flaws often occur in software that performs extensive string manipulation and parsing operations.