CVE-2008-0320 in OpenOffice
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the OLE importer in OpenOffice.org before 2.4 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via an OLE file with a crafted DocumentSummaryInformation stream.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/09/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-0320 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the OLE importer component of OpenOffice.org versions prior to 2.4. This flaw exists in the handling of DocumentSummaryInformation streams within OLE files, which are commonly used for storing metadata about documents. The vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory boundaries. The security implications are severe as this vulnerability can be exploited remotely through crafted OLE files, making it particularly dangerous in web-based attack scenarios.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when OpenOffice.org processes an OLE file containing a maliciously crafted DocumentSummaryInformation stream. The importer fails to properly validate the size and structure of this stream, allowing an attacker to overflow heap memory buffers and potentially overwrite adjacent memory regions. This memory corruption can result in unpredictable program behavior, including crashes that manifest as denial of service conditions. However, the more serious concern is the potential for arbitrary code execution, which can be achieved when the buffer overflow allows an attacker to control the instruction pointer and redirect program execution flow. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no user interaction beyond opening the malicious file, making it a prime target for drive-by download attacks and phishing campaigns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes to encompass potential full system compromise when arbitrary code execution is achieved. Organizations using OpenOffice.org versions before 2.4 face significant risk exposure, particularly in environments where users regularly open documents from untrusted sources. The vulnerability affects the core document processing functionality of the application, meaning that any user who opens a malicious OLE file could be compromised. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves the use of malicious documents to gain initial access. The exploitability factor is high due to the lack of user interaction requirements and the widespread use of OLE-based document formats in corporate and personal environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0320 should prioritize immediate patching of OpenOffice.org installations to version 2.4 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the heap overflow vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies that prevent automatic execution of potentially malicious OLE files, particularly those received through email or downloaded from untrusted sources. Network-based security controls such as email filtering and web proxies should be configured to scan and block suspicious OLE file attachments. Additionally, users should be trained to avoid opening documents from unknown sources and to verify document integrity before processing. System administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of vulnerable software versions. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping all office productivity software updated, as similar issues in other applications may exist and could be exploited in combination with this vulnerability to create more sophisticated attack vectors.