CVE-2007-4251 in OpenOffice
Summary
by MITRE
OpenOffice.org (OOo) 2.2 does not properly handle files with multiple extensions, which allows user-assisted remote attackers to cause a denial of service.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4251 affects OpenOffice.org version 2.2 and represents a denial of service weakness related to file extension handling. This flaw exploits the software's inability to properly process files containing multiple extensions, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted files can trigger unexpected behavior in the application. The vulnerability specifically targets the file parsing mechanisms within OpenOffice.org, which are responsible for identifying and processing various document formats through their extension-based detection system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of file extension formats within the OpenOffice.org file handling pipeline. When the application encounters a file with multiple extensions such as filename.docx.zip or similar combinations, the parsing logic fails to properly identify the actual file type and may attempt to process the file in an incorrect manner. This improper handling can lead to memory corruption, stack overflow conditions, or other internal processing errors that ultimately result in application termination. The flaw operates at the application layer where file extension parsing occurs before actual content processing begins, making it a pre-authentication vulnerability that requires only user interaction to trigger.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations relying on OpenOffice.org for document processing, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted files from external sources. The remote attack vector means that malicious actors can potentially exploit this weakness through email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing platforms without requiring local system access. The denial of service impact can disrupt productivity and create operational downtime for users who encounter these malformed files, while also potentially serving as a precursor to more sophisticated attacks that could leverage the instability created by the vulnerability. This weakness specifically aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and demonstrates how improper input validation can lead to system instability.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of OpenOffice.org, implementing strict file extension validation policies, and deploying network-based security controls to filter suspicious file types. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203, which involves exploitation of remote services through file-based attacks, and organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting controls to prevent execution of untrusted files. Additionally, user education regarding suspicious file attachments and implementing sandboxed environments for document processing can significantly reduce the attack surface. Regular security assessments should verify that file handling components properly validate extension formats and maintain proper error handling to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other document processing applications.