CVE-2008-0108 in Works
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in wkcvqd01.dll in Microsoft Works 6 File Converter, as used in Office 2003 SP2 and SP3, Works 8.0, and Works Suite 2005, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a .wps file with crafted field lengths, aka "Microsoft Works File Converter Field Length Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0108 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw located within the wkcvqd01.dll component of Microsoft Works 6 File Converter. This component serves as a file format converter that enables Microsoft Office applications and Works suite products to process documents created in older Works formats. The vulnerability specifically manifests when processing .wps files containing maliciously crafted field length values that exceed the allocated buffer space in memory. The flaw exists in the way the converter handles field length parameters during document parsing, creating an opportunity for attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of field length values within .wps files that are processed by the affected Microsoft Works converter. When a user opens or processes a specially crafted .wps file, the converter attempts to parse field length parameters without proper bounds checking. This allows an attacker to supply field lengths that exceed the allocated buffer size, causing a stack buffer overflow condition. The overflow enables arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable application, potentially allowing full system compromise. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which describes a condition where insufficient bounds checking allows a buffer to be overwritten beyond its allocated memory region. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through legitimate file processing operations, making it difficult to detect and prevent.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-0108 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway to establish persistent access to compromised systems. The vulnerability affects multiple Microsoft products including Office 2003 SP2 and SP3, Works 8.0, and Works Suite 2005, creating a wide attack surface across enterprise environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through social engineering tactics by distributing malicious .wps files via email attachments, web downloads, or removable media. The exploitability is enhanced by the fact that these products are commonly used in business environments, making the attack surface particularly attractive to threat actors. This vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution and T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands on target systems. The vulnerability's presence in widely deployed software versions means that organizations with legacy Microsoft Works installations face significant risk of compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0108 require a multi-layered approach combining immediate patching, operational controls, and user awareness measures. The most effective solution involves applying the official Microsoft security patches released for this vulnerability, which address the buffer overflow condition in the wkcvqd01.dll component. Organizations should implement strict file type controls to prevent automatic processing of .wps files, particularly in email systems and web environments. Network administrators should deploy content filtering solutions that can detect and block malicious .wps files based on their characteristics. User education programs should emphasize the dangers of opening unexpected file attachments and the importance of verifying document sources. Additionally, system hardening measures including disabling automatic file conversion and implementing application whitelisting can reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software patches and highlights the risks associated with legacy software components that may not receive ongoing security support. Organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate similar issues in their software inventory.