CVE-2005-0941 in OpenOffice
Summary
by MITRE
The StgCompObjStream::Load function in OpenOffice.org OpenOffice 1.1.4 and earlier allocates memory based on 16 bit length values, but process memory using 32 bit values, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary code via a DOC document with certain length values, which leads to a heap-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0941 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in OpenOffice.org versions 1.1.4 and earlier, specifically within the StgCompObjStream::Load function. This flaw demonstrates a classic type confusion issue where the software employs inconsistent data type handling during memory allocation and processing operations. The vulnerability arises from the function's improper handling of 16-bit length values during memory allocation while subsequently processing the same data using 32-bit values, creating a fundamental mismatch that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from how the StgCompObjStream::Load function manages memory allocation for compound document structures. When processing DOC files, the function reads 16-bit length fields that determine memory allocation sizes, but later uses 32-bit values for memory operations. This discrepancy creates a scenario where an attacker can craft a malicious DOC document containing carefully manipulated length values that cause the application to allocate insufficient memory while attempting to write data that exceeds the allocated buffer boundaries. The vulnerability falls under CWE-122, which specifically addresses heap-based buffer overflows due to insufficient memory allocation, and represents a prime example of improper handling of data type conversions in memory management operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enable remote code execution within the context of the affected application. Attackers can leverage this flaw by embedding maliciously crafted DOC documents that trigger the vulnerable code path, causing the application to crash or potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running OpenOffice.org. The heap-based nature of the overflow means that memory corruption can occur in unpredictable locations, making exploitation more challenging but potentially more dangerous. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1203, which covers the exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities for privilege escalation and code execution.
The security implications of CVE-2005-0941 highlight the critical importance of proper input validation and memory management in office productivity applications that handle complex file formats. Applications processing structured documents must ensure consistent data type handling throughout the processing pipeline, particularly when dealing with legacy file format specifications that may contain ambiguous or variable-length fields. Organizations using affected versions of OpenOffice.org should immediately implement mitigation strategies including updating to patched versions, implementing network-based filtering of suspicious DOC files, and monitoring for potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the necessity of comprehensive testing for buffer overflow conditions in file parsing libraries and the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches for widely used office suites. This flaw serves as a historical example of how seemingly minor inconsistencies in data type handling can create significant security risks in complex software applications.