CVE-2006-2199 in OpenOffice
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Java Applets in OpenOffice.org 1.1.x (aka StarOffice) up to 1.1.5 and 2.0.x before 2.0.3 allows user-assisted attackers to escape the Java sandbox and conduct unauthorized activities via certain applets in OpenOffice documents.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2199 represents a critical sandbox escape flaw in OpenOffice.org versions 1.1.x through 1.1.5 and 2.0.x before 2.0.3, specifically affecting Java applets embedded within OpenOffice documents. This issue resides in the Java sandbox implementation that is designed to isolate untrusted code execution and prevent malicious activities from affecting the host system. The vulnerability allows attackers to bypass the security boundaries that normally protect users from potentially harmful applets, creating a significant risk for system compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sandbox restrictions within the Java applet execution environment of OpenOffice.org. When users open documents containing malicious Java applets, the flawed implementation permits these applets to access system resources and execute unauthorized operations that should be prohibited by the security sandbox. This sandbox escape mechanism operates through unspecified means that likely involve exploitation of insufficient input validation or improper privilege management within the Java runtime environment integrated with OpenOffice. The vulnerability specifically affects the Java Applets component that is part of the OpenOffice suite, which is commonly used for embedding interactive content within documents.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it enables attackers to perform unauthorized activities on compromised systems through seemingly benign document interactions. An attacker could craft malicious OpenOffice documents containing specially crafted Java applets that, when opened by an unsuspecting user, would execute with elevated privileges beyond what the sandbox normally permits. This could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or the installation of additional malware. The user-assisted nature of this attack means that social engineering would be required to convince users to open the malicious documents, but once opened, the exploitation occurs automatically without further user interaction.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-254, which addresses security weaknesses in the implementation of security features, and specifically relates to improper sandbox enforcement mechanisms that allow privilege escalation. The attack vector follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Java applet execution and T1068 for privilege escalation through sandbox bypass. Organizations using affected versions of OpenOffice.org should immediately implement mitigation strategies including updating to patched versions, disabling Java applet support in OpenOffice, and implementing strict document filtering policies to prevent the execution of untrusted content. System administrators should also consider network-level controls to block potentially malicious documents and conduct regular security assessments to identify any remaining vulnerable installations.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of proper sandbox implementation in office productivity suites that integrate with Java runtime environments. This flaw demonstrates how the combination of multiple security layers can create unexpected attack surfaces when individual components do not properly coordinate their security boundaries. The vulnerability serves as a reminder that even applications designed for productivity can become attack vectors when security controls are insufficiently implemented. Organizations should maintain comprehensive patch management programs and regularly review their security configurations to prevent similar issues from arising in other software components that may share similar architectural patterns with vulnerable OpenOffice versions.