CVE-2006-4514 in libgsf
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the ole_info_read_metabat function in Gnome Structured File library (libgsf) 1.14.0, and other versions before 1.14.2, allows context-dependent attackers to execute arbitrary code via a large num_metabat value in an OLE document, which causes the ole_init_info function to allocate insufficient memory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2006-4514 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in the Gnome Structured File library commonly known as libgsf version 1.14.0 and earlier. This flaw exists within the ole_info_read_metabat function which processes OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) documents, a file format widely used for storing structured data in Microsoft Office applications and other software systems. The vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation and memory allocation handling when processing metadata within OLE containers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious OLE document containing a deliberately large num_metabat value, which represents the number of metadata elements in the document. When the ole_init_info function processes this malformed input, it calculates memory allocation based on the inflated value without proper bounds checking. This insufficient memory allocation creates a heap overflow condition where subsequent data writes exceed the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory regions including function pointers, return addresses, or other critical program state information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can be leveraged by context-dependent attackers to gain arbitrary code execution privileges on systems processing OLE documents. This makes it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently open documents from untrusted sources such as email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing platforms. The vulnerability affects systems running affected versions of libgsf, which was widely used in various GNOME applications and other software packages that relied on the library for structured file processing, creating a broad attack surface across multiple applications and platforms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-4514 should focus on immediate software updates to libgsf version 1.14.2 or later, which includes proper input validation and memory allocation checks. System administrators should implement strict document validation policies, particularly for email systems and web applications that process OLE documents. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1203, Exploitation for Client Execution, when exploited through document-based attack vectors. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for document processing, network segmentation to limit exposure, and regular vulnerability assessments to identify systems running outdated versions of the library, as this vulnerability was part of a broader class of memory corruption flaws that have historically been exploited in targeted attacks against enterprise environments.