CVE-2009-2949 in OpenOffice
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the XPMReader::ReadXPM function in filter.vcl/ixpm/svt_xpmread.cxx in OpenOffice.org (OOo) before 3.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted XPM file that triggers a heap-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/30/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2949 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the OpenOffice.org document processing framework that has significant implications for remote code execution capabilities. This vulnerability resides in the XPMReader::ReadXPM function located within the filter.vcl/ixpm/svt_xpmread.cxx source file, which is part of the core document filtering system that handles XPM image format processing. The flaw occurs when the application processes specially crafted XPM files that contain malformed dimensions or count values, leading to improper integer arithmetic that ultimately results in heap-based buffer overflow conditions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and integer overflow handling within the XPM file parsing logic. When OpenOffice.org encounters an XPM file with maliciously constructed header values, the application performs arithmetic operations on these values without proper bounds checking or overflow detection mechanisms. This allows an attacker to manipulate the intended buffer size calculation, causing the system to allocate insufficient memory for the actual data processing. The resulting heap corruption creates exploitable conditions where arbitrary code execution becomes possible through carefully crafted memory layout manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple document processing and represents a serious threat to enterprise security environments that rely on OpenOffice.org for document handling. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability by simply embedding a malicious XPM file within a document or web page, making the attack vector particularly dangerous for email systems, document sharing platforms, and collaborative environments. The vulnerability affects OpenOffice.org versions prior to 3.2, indicating that organizations running older versions face significant risk without proper patching or mitigation strategies.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, covering exploitation of remote services through malicious file formats. The attack chain typically involves initial access through document delivery mechanisms, followed by automatic processing when users open or preview documents containing the malicious XPM content. The exploitability factor is high due to the automatic nature of document processing within office suites and the limited user interaction required for successful exploitation. Organizations should implement immediate patch management strategies, deploy application whitelisting policies, and consider network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability.