CVE-2005-2964 in Community Abiword
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in AbiWord before 2.2.10 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via the RTF import mechanism.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2964 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within AbiWord document processing software prior to version 2.2.10. This flaw specifically manifests during the RTF import functionality, where the application fails to properly validate input data length before copying it to a fixed-size stack buffer. The issue falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of unsafe string handling and memory management practices that have been consistently flagged as high-risk in software security assessments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables remote attackers to gain arbitrary code execution privileges on systems running affected versions of AbiWord. When an attacker crafts a malicious RTF document containing oversized data sequences, the application's import mechanism triggers the buffer overflow condition, potentially allowing the attacker to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical stack variables. This type of vulnerability directly maps to the attack pattern described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter execution, as successful exploitation would enable attackers to execute malicious payloads with the privileges of the targeted user. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that RTF files are commonly used in email attachments and document sharing scenarios, making this vulnerability highly exploitable in real-world environments.
The technical exploitation of this buffer overflow requires careful crafting of RTF input that exceeds the allocated stack buffer size, typically through manipulation of document structure elements such as nested objects or extended formatting sequences. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, as attackers can overwrite the instruction pointer and redirect execution flow to malicious code injected into the stack. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where document processing applications are frequently used, as it can serve as an initial access vector for more sophisticated attacks. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability type is commonly exploited in targeted attacks and has been historically associated with fileless malware delivery mechanisms. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems and implement network segmentation to limit potential lateral movement if exploitation occurs. The remediation strategy must include not only updating to AbiWord version 2.2.10 or later, but also implementing proper input validation controls and monitoring for suspicious RTF file processing activities. Additionally, this vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on memory safety practices, as similar issues have been identified in numerous other document processing applications across various software vendors.