CVE-2007-3678 in QuarkXPress
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the MSWord text-import extension (Word 6-2000 Filter.xnt) in QuarkXPress 7.2 for Windows, when using the Rectangle Text Box tool for importing text, allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long font name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3678 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within QuarkXPress 7.2 for Windows, specifically affecting the MSWord text-import extension known as Word 6-2000 Filter.xnt. This vulnerability manifests when users employ the Rectangle Text Box tool to import text content, creating a dangerous condition that can be exploited by remote attackers. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation within the text import processing mechanism, where the application fails to properly bounds-check font name strings during the import operation. The buffer overflow occurs because the application allocates a fixed-size stack buffer to store font information but does not verify that incoming font names exceed this predetermined limit, allowing maliciously crafted input to overwrite adjacent stack memory regions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking permits memory corruption. When a maliciously constructed font name exceeds the allocated buffer size, it overflows into adjacent stack memory, potentially overwriting return addresses, function pointers, and other critical control data. This memory corruption can be leveraged by attackers to redirect program execution flow and ultimately execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. The attack requires user interaction since the vulnerability is triggered during the text import process, making it a user-assisted remote code execution vulnerability that can be delivered through crafted documents or text content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more extensive system compromise. The affected QuarkXPress application operates with the privileges of the user running it, potentially enabling attackers to access sensitive documents, perform unauthorized modifications to design files, or establish persistence within the target environment. The vulnerability affects a specific text import filter within QuarkXPress, making it particularly dangerous for users who frequently import text content from external sources or collaborate on shared documents. This scenario creates a high-risk environment where a single compromised document could lead to complete system compromise, especially in professional design environments where users regularly exchange complex document files containing embedded text elements.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3678 should focus on immediate remediation through official vendor patches, as QuarkXPress 7.2 has reached end-of-life and no longer receives security updates. Organizations should implement strict document filtering policies that prevent import of text content from untrusted sources, particularly when using the Rectangle Text Box tool. Network-level controls can be deployed to block potentially malicious document formats and implement sandboxing measures for document processing. The vulnerability's exploitation requires user interaction, making user education crucial for defense-in-depth strategies, ensuring personnel understand the risks of opening untrusted documents containing embedded text elements. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of vulnerable applications and monitor for unusual import activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability exemplifies the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and proper input validation practices, as highlighted in ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through command and scripting interpreter, where buffer overflows can be leveraged to establish persistent execution channels within compromised systems.