CVE-2012-3455 in KOffice
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the read function in filters/words/msword-odf/wv2/src/styles.cpp in the Microsoft import filter in KOffice 2.3.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted ODF style in an ODF document. NOTE: this is the same vulnerability as CVE-2012-3456, but it was SPLIT by the CNA even though Calligra and KOffice share the same codebase.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3455 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the Microsoft Word import filter functionality of KOffice 2.3.3 and earlier versions. This flaw exists in the read function located in filters/words/msword-odf/wv2/src/styles.cpp, specifically within the KOffice codebase that was later inherited by Calligra Suite. The vulnerability manifests when processing ODF documents containing crafted style elements, creating a condition where attacker-controlled input can overwrite adjacent memory regions in the application's heap allocation space.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the style parsing routine of the Microsoft import filter. When KOffice encounters an ODF document with malformed style data, the read function fails to validate the size of incoming data structures before copying them into fixed-size heap buffers. This classic buffer overflow scenario allows malicious actors to manipulate memory layout by injecting oversized style definitions that exceed the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially corrupting adjacent heap metadata or executable code segments.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-3455 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass potential arbitrary code execution capabilities. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting malicious ODF documents containing specially constructed style elements that trigger the buffer overflow during document parsing. The application crash resulting from heap corruption can be exploited to achieve privilege escalation or code execution depending on the target system's security configuration and the attacker's control over the execution environment. This vulnerability particularly affects users who frequently process documents from untrusted sources, making it a significant threat in enterprise and collaborative environments.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1203, involving the exploitation of input validation flaws for remote code execution. The vulnerability's classification as a remote attack vector means that users are at risk even when simply opening documents from untrusted sources, as the exploitation occurs during the document parsing process. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of KOffice or Calligra Suite, implementing document validation policies, and restricting the processing of untrusted ODF documents through network security controls and sandboxing mechanisms to prevent exploitation attempts.