CVE-2009-2140 in Go-oo
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple heap-based buffer overflows in cppcanvas/source/mtfrenderer/emfplus.cxx in Go-oo 2.x and 3.x before 3.0.1, previously named ooo-build and related to OpenOffice.org (OOo), allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted EMF+ file, a similar issue to CVE-2008-2238.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2140 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw within the cppcanvas component of Go-oo 2.x and 3.x versions prior to 3.0.1. This software suite, formerly known as ooo-build and closely related to OpenOffice.org, contains a fundamental security weakness in its handling of Enhanced Metafile Plus format files. The flaw exists specifically within the file cppcanvas/source/mtfrenderer/emfplus.cxx which processes EMF+ graphics data, making it susceptible to exploitation through maliciously crafted file inputs.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking during the parsing of EMF+ file structures. When Go-oo processes an EMF+ file containing malformed data, the application fails to properly validate buffer sizes before copying data into allocated memory segments. This oversight creates conditions where attacker-controlled input can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability manifests as heap corruption that can be leveraged to manipulate program execution flow, making it particularly dangerous for remote code execution scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on systems running affected versions of Go-oo. This represents a significant threat vector since EMF+ files are commonly used in office documents, presentations, and graphics applications. The similarity to CVE-2008-2238 indicates this is part of a broader class of vulnerabilities affecting graphics processing components in office suites, suggesting potential for widespread exploitation across multiple applications within the same software ecosystem. The remote execution capability means that simply opening a maliciously crafted EMF+ file could result in complete system compromise without requiring user interaction beyond normal document opening procedures.
Security mitigations for CVE-2009-2140 primarily focus on immediate software updates to version 3.0.1 or later where the buffer overflow has been addressed. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures and consider sandboxing mechanisms when processing office documents, particularly those containing embedded graphics. Network-level defenses including email filtering and web application firewalls can help prevent exploitation attempts by blocking malicious EMF+ files before they reach end-user systems. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow classifications and maps to attack patterns within the ATT&CK framework related to office application exploitation and privilege escalation techniques. Regular security assessments and vulnerability management processes should include checking for outdated office suite installations, as this flaw represents a persistent risk in legacy deployments that may not receive timely updates.