CVE-2008-2238 in OpenOffice
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple integer overflows in OpenOffice.org (OOo) 2.x before 2.4.2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted EMR records in an EMF file associated with a StarOffice/StarSuite document, which trigger a heap-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2238 represents a critical security flaw in OpenOffice.org version 2.x prior to 2.4.2 that stems from multiple integer overflows within the application's handling of Enhanced Metafile (EMF) format files. This issue specifically affects the processing of EMR records within StarOffice and StarSuite document contexts, creating a pathway for remote code execution through maliciously crafted file attachments. The vulnerability resides in the application's graphics rendering subsystem where it fails to properly validate integer values when processing metafile records, leading to predictable memory corruption patterns that attackers can exploit to gain arbitrary code execution privileges on affected systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of integer values within EMR records that control buffer allocation sizes for graphics processing operations. When OpenOffice.org processes an EMF file containing crafted EMR records, the application performs integer arithmetic operations that result in overflow conditions when calculating buffer sizes needed for rendering graphics elements. These integer overflows cause the application to allocate insufficient memory buffers, which then get overwritten when the system attempts to write data beyond the allocated boundaries, resulting in heap-based buffer overflows. The flaw specifically aligns with CWE-190, which categorizes integer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which addresses heap-based buffer overflow vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with the attack pattern described in MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1203, which covers exploitation of software vulnerabilities for privilege escalation and code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-2238 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data breach scenarios. Attackers can craft malicious EMF files that, when opened by vulnerable OpenOffice.org versions, trigger the buffer overflow conditions and allow arbitrary code injection. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where OpenOffice.org is commonly used for document processing, as it can be exploited through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing systems. The exploitation requires no user interaction beyond opening the malicious document, making it particularly dangerous for targeted attacks. Organizations using older versions of OpenOffice.org remain at risk until proper patches are applied, as the vulnerability affects the core document processing functionality that is integral to business operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate patch application and system hardening measures. The most effective remediation involves upgrading OpenOffice.org installations to version 2.4.2 or later, which contains proper integer overflow protections and enhanced input validation for EMR record processing. System administrators should implement strict file validation policies that prevent automatic execution of potentially malicious files, particularly those with .emf or .wmf extensions. Network-based mitigations include implementing content filtering systems that scan document attachments for known malicious patterns and restricting access to file sharing systems that might contain compromised EMF files. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of untrusted document processing applications and deploy intrusion detection systems that monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security updates and proper input validation practices in preventing heap-based buffer overflow exploits that have been consistently documented in security literature as primary attack vectors for privilege escalation and remote system compromise.