CVE-2010-3450 in OpenOffice
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in OpenOffice.org (OOo) 2.x and 3.x before 3.3 allow remote attackers to overwrite arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in an entry in (1) an XSLT JAR filter description file, (2) an Extension (aka OXT) file, or unspecified other (3) JAR or (4) ZIP files.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3450 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting OpenOffice.org versions 2.x and 3.x prior to 3.3. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the file processing mechanisms of the office suite, specifically when handling archive files such as JAR and ZIP containers. The flaw manifests when the application processes maliciously crafted archive entries that contain directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The security implications are severe as attackers can exploit this weakness to manipulate file system operations beyond the intended scope of the application.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of archive file structures that OpenOffice.org processes during document opening or extension installation. When processing XSLT JAR filter description files, Extension files, or other JAR and ZIP archives, the software fails to adequately sanitize path components within archive entries. Attackers can craft malicious files that contain entries with .. sequences in their paths, allowing them to traverse up the directory structure and write files to arbitrary locations on the target system. This behavior violates the principle of least privilege and enables attackers to overwrite critical system files, install malicious components, or manipulate the application's operational environment. The vulnerability exists because the software does not properly validate or canonicalize file paths extracted from compressed archives, creating an opportunity for path traversal attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-3450 extends beyond simple file overwriting capabilities, as it can be leveraged for more sophisticated attack vectors within the ATT&CK framework. An attacker could potentially use this vulnerability to install malicious extensions or modify the application's configuration files, leading to persistent compromise of the system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where OpenOffice.org is commonly used for document processing, as it could be exploited through social engineering attacks targeting document attachments or extension installations. The attack surface includes scenarios where users open maliciously crafted documents or install compromised extensions, making this vulnerability highly relevant to the initial access and persistence phases of cyber attacks as defined in the MITRE ATT&CK matrix.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3450 should focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures. The primary solution involves upgrading to OpenOffice.org 3.3 or later versions where the directory traversal protections have been implemented. Organizations should also implement strict file validation policies for archive files, particularly those used in document processing workflows. Network-level controls such as content filtering and sandboxing of document processing environments can provide additional defense in depth. Security teams should monitor for suspicious file operations and implement proper access controls to limit the impact of potential exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in archive processing and highlights the need for robust security practices in office productivity software that handles external file formats.