CVE-2006-6628 in OpenOffice
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in OpenOffice.org (OOo) 2.1 allows user-assisted remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted DOC file, as demonstrated by the 12122006-djtest.doc file, a variant of CVE-2006-6561 in a separate codebase.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6628 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within OpenOffice.org version 2.1 that enables remote attackers to execute denial of service attacks through maliciously crafted document files. This vulnerability specifically affects the handling of document parsing operations within the office suite's document processing engine, creating a scenario where legitimate user interaction with specially crafted content can trigger system instability. The flaw manifests when the application encounters malformed data structures in DOC format files, particularly those designed to exploit the integer overflow condition during memory allocation calculations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and insufficient bounds checking within the document parser component of OpenOffice.org. When processing the malicious 12122006-djtest.doc file, the application's parsing logic fails to properly validate integer values used for memory allocation calculations, leading to an overflow condition that results in unpredictable memory behavior. This integer overflow condition causes the application to attempt to allocate memory blocks of invalid sizes, ultimately leading to application crashes and system instability. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires user interaction to initiate the attack vector, making it a user-assisted remote attack rather than a fully autonomous exploit.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-6628 extends beyond simple application disruption, as it represents a significant security concern for organizations relying on OpenOffice.org for document processing. The vulnerability creates an attack surface that allows adversaries to systematically destabilize office productivity environments, potentially leading to business disruption and reduced operational efficiency. Organizations utilizing vulnerable versions of OpenOffice.org face risks of unauthorized service disruption, particularly in environments where document sharing and collaboration are common practices. The attack requires minimal technical expertise to execute, making it accessible to a broad range of threat actors.
Security practitioners should note the relationship between CVE-2006-6628 and CVE-2006-6561, as both vulnerabilities demonstrate similar exploitation patterns within different codebases of the same software family. This correlation indicates a broader architectural weakness in the document processing components of OpenOffice.org that requires comprehensive remediation efforts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and reflects patterns commonly observed in the ATT&CK framework under the T1499 category of network denial of service techniques. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including software updates, document validation policies, and user education programs to reduce exposure to this vulnerability.
Mitigation approaches for CVE-2006-6628 should prioritize the deployment of patched versions of OpenOffice.org, as the vulnerability represents a known flaw with documented remediation procedures. System administrators should establish document filtering mechanisms to prevent the processing of potentially malicious files, particularly those with DOC extensions from untrusted sources. Network-level controls including intrusion detection systems and content filtering appliances can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of vulnerable software installations within the organization's infrastructure. The implementation of these controls aligns with industry best practices for managing known vulnerabilities and maintaining secure computing environments.
The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation and memory management practices within office productivity software, as integer overflow conditions can have cascading effects on application stability and user experience. Organizations should consider adopting more secure document processing frameworks and implementing comprehensive security testing procedures to identify similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors. This incident highlights the critical need for continuous security monitoring and timely patch management processes to protect against emerging threats in widely used software applications.