CVE-2008-3282 in OpenOffice
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the rtl_allocateMemory function in sal/rtl/source/alloc_global.c in the memory allocator in OpenOffice.org (OOo) 2.4.1, on 64-bit platforms, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted document, related to a "numeric truncation error," a different vulnerability than CVE-2008-2152.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-3282 represents a critical integer overflow condition within the memory allocation subsystem of OpenOffice.org version 2.4.1, specifically affecting 64-bit platform implementations. This flaw exists in the rtl_allocateMemory function located within the sal/rtl/source/alloc_global.c source file, which forms a fundamental component of the application's memory management infrastructure. The vulnerability manifests as a numeric truncation error that occurs during memory allocation operations, creating a potential pathway for malicious exploitation that could compromise system stability and security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of integer values during memory allocation requests on 64-bit architectures. When processing crafted documents, the rtl_allocateMemory function fails to properly validate or handle large integer values that exceed the range of the data types used for memory calculations. This numeric truncation error effectively transforms what should be a legitimate memory allocation request into a malformed operation that can cause the application to behave unpredictably. The flaw specifically impacts 64-bit platforms where the memory addressing capabilities and data type representations differ significantly from 32-bit implementations, making the vulnerability platform-specific and more challenging to detect during standard testing procedures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable remote code execution, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where OpenOffice.org is widely deployed. Attackers can craft specially designed documents that, when opened by an affected version of OpenOffice.org, trigger the integer overflow condition. The resulting application crash represents the most immediate threat, but the underlying flaw also creates opportunities for more sophisticated exploitation techniques that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and availability of the application, potentially leading to complete system compromise if exploited successfully.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3282 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from OpenOffice.org or affected vendors, as this vulnerability has been addressed through software updates that correct the integer overflow handling in the memory allocator. Organizations should implement strict document validation procedures, particularly for incoming documents from untrusted sources, and consider deploying application whitelisting solutions that restrict execution of potentially vulnerable software versions. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure, while security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous memory allocation patterns or application crashes that may indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, and represents a classic example of how memory management flaws can create pathways for privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a memory corruption vulnerability that could be leveraged for privilege escalation and persistence within affected systems.