CVE-2012-0213 in POI
Summary
by MITRE
The UnhandledDataStructure function in hwpf/model/UnhandledDataStructure.java in Apache POI 3.8 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (OutOfMemoryError exception and possibly JVM destabilization) via a crafted length value in a Channel Definition Format (CDF) or Compound File Binary Format (CFBF) document.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0213 resides within the Apache POI library's handling of Compound File Binary Format documents, specifically in the UnhandledDataStructure function located in hwpf/model/UnhandledDataStructure.java. This flaw affects Apache POI versions 3.8 and earlier, representing a critical security issue that can be exploited remotely to cause denial of service conditions. The vulnerability manifests when processing Channel Definition Format or Compound File Binary Format documents, which are commonly used for storing structured compound documents in Microsoft Office applications and other software systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of length values within CDF/CFBF documents, specifically targeting the UnhandledDataStructure function. When the function processes a crafted length value, it fails to properly validate or handle the input, leading to an OutOfMemoryError exception. This error condition can potentially cause JVM destabilization, meaning the Java Virtual Machine may become unstable or crash entirely. The flaw represents a classic buffer over-read or improper input validation issue, where the system attempts to allocate memory based on malicious length parameters without adequate bounds checking or sanitization.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-0213 extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can be leveraged by remote attackers to disrupt services that depend on Apache POI for document processing. Systems processing office documents, email attachments, or file upload functionalities become vulnerable to this attack vector, potentially allowing attackers to cause system downtime or resource exhaustion. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of length values, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks. Organizations using affected versions of Apache POI in web applications, file processing services, or document management systems face significant risk from this vulnerability, as it can be exploited through simple document uploads without requiring authentication or special privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0213 primarily focus on upgrading to Apache POI version 3.9 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through improved input validation and memory handling within the UnhandledDataStructure function. Additionally, organizations should implement proper document validation and sanitization processes before processing any external documents, including implementing length parameter validation and memory allocation limits. Security measures such as network segmentation, input filtering, and monitoring for unusual memory consumption patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The fix implemented in newer versions typically involves enhanced bounds checking and proper exception handling to prevent the OutOfMemoryError conditions that previously occurred when processing malformed length values in CDF/CFBF documents.