CVE-2012-3456 in Calligra
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 Calligra 2.4.3 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-2012-3455, 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 • 10/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3456 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow affecting the Microsoft Word import functionality within Calligra Suite 2.4.3 and earlier versions. This flaw resides in the read function implementation within filters/words/msword-odf/wv2/src/styles.cpp, specifically within the Microsoft import filter component that handles ODF document processing. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management when processing crafted ODF style elements, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to compromise system integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic heap-based buffer overflow scenario where the application fails to properly bounds-check data during the parsing of ODF style information. When processing maliciously crafted ODF documents containing specially constructed style elements, the application attempts to write data beyond the allocated heap memory boundaries. This memory corruption occurs during the conversion process from Microsoft Word format to ODF, specifically within the style handling component that processes formatting attributes and document structure information. The flaw manifests as a write operation that exceeds the intended buffer capacity, potentially overwriting adjacent memory regions and corrupting critical program data structures.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-3456 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass potential remote code execution capabilities. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious ODF documents that contain oversized or malformed style elements, which when opened by vulnerable Calligra applications trigger the buffer overflow condition. The vulnerability affects the Microsoft import filter functionality that bridges compatibility between Microsoft Office formats and Calligra's native ODF support, making it particularly dangerous for users who frequently process documents from external sources or collaborate with others using Microsoft Office products. The shared codebase between Calligra and KOffice means that both applications are equally vulnerable, amplifying the potential attack surface.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with the attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the Tactic of Execution and the Technique of Command and Scripting Interpreter. The flaw represents a significant security risk in office productivity software environments where users regularly open documents from untrusted sources, creating a vector for both denial of service attacks that can disrupt workflow and more serious exploitation attempts that could lead to complete system compromise. Organizations using Calligra Suite versions prior to 2.4.4 should consider immediate remediation through patching or implementing network-level controls to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.
The vulnerability's classification as a remote attack vector means that exploitation can occur without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments. The shared codebase relationship with KOffice indicates that similar vulnerabilities may exist across the broader KDE office suite ecosystem, requiring comprehensive security assessments of related components. Security professionals should monitor for related vulnerabilities in the wv2 library and other Microsoft Word import components that may exhibit similar memory management flaws. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and memory safety practices in document processing applications, particularly those handling complex format conversions between different office suites.