CVE-2014-3524 in OpenOffice
Summary
by MITRE
Apache OpenOffice before 4.1.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands and possibly have other unspecified impact via a crafted Calc spreadsheet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/11/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3524 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Apache OpenOffice versions prior to 4.1.1, specifically affecting the Calc spreadsheet component. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's handling of maliciously crafted spreadsheet files. The flaw enables remote attackers to construct specially formatted Calc documents that, when opened by an affected version of OpenOffice, trigger arbitrary command execution on the victim's system. The attack vector leverages the application's inability to properly parse and validate external data inputs, creating a pathway for malicious code injection that bypasses normal security boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of external references and embedded objects within Calc spreadsheet files. When a user opens a maliciously crafted spreadsheet, the application processes external data sources without adequate security checks, allowing attackers to inject and execute commands through various mechanisms including embedded scripts, external references, or malformed data structures. This flaw aligns with CWE-74, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in data queries, and CWE-94, which covers improper control of generation of code. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, exploiting weaknesses in input validation and data processing within the spreadsheet parsing engine.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-3524 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install malware, establish backdoors, or perform privilege escalation attacks on affected systems. The unspecified additional impacts mentioned in the original description suggest potential for information disclosure, denial of service, or further exploitation opportunities that could lead to broader security breaches. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where users frequently open spreadsheet files from untrusted sources, creating a significant attack surface that can be exploited for lateral movement and persistent access within network infrastructures.
Organizations should immediately implement comprehensive mitigation strategies including mandatory application updates to Apache OpenOffice 4.1.1 or later versions, which contain patched implementations of secure input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Network segmentation and email filtering should be enhanced to prevent the delivery of malicious spreadsheet files through common attack channels such as phishing campaigns or compromised websites. System administrators should also deploy application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of unauthorized software and implement monitoring solutions to detect suspicious command execution patterns. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059 for command and script interpreter execution, and T1203 for exploitation for privilege escalation, making it a significant concern for defensive security operations. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to ensure all systems remain protected against similar threats in the broader threat landscape.