CVE-2015-8106 in Latex2rtf
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in the CmdKeywords function in funct1.c in latex2rtf before 2.3.10 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in the \keywords command in a crafted TeX file.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-8106 represents a critical format string vulnerability within the latex2rtf conversion tool, specifically affecting versions prior to 2.3.10. This flaw resides in the CmdKeywords function located in the funct1.c source file, where improper handling of user-supplied input during the processing of the \keywords command in TeX documents creates an exploitable condition that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability manifests when a maliciously crafted TeX file containing format string specifiers is processed by the affected software, allowing remote attackers to manipulate the program's execution flow through crafted input sequences.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-134, which categorizes format string vulnerabilities as weaknesses in software that occurs when a program uses user-supplied data as the format string argument to functions like printf, sprintf, or similar formatting routines. The flaw in latex2rtf demonstrates how a seemingly benign command like \keywords can become a vector for exploitation when the software fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before using it in a format string context. When the CmdKeywords function processes the \keywords command without adequate input validation, it directly incorporates user-supplied data into format string operations, creating opportunities for attackers to inject malicious format specifiers that can trigger memory corruption or information disclosure.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to systems processing TeX documents, particularly in environments where automated document conversion is performed or where users can submit arbitrary documents for processing. The remote code execution capability means that attackers could potentially gain full control over systems running vulnerable versions of latex2rtf, especially in server environments where document conversion services are exposed to untrusted input. The attack vector requires the victim to process a specially crafted TeX file containing the malicious \keywords command, making it suitable for web-based exploitation through document upload or conversion services that utilize this tool.
The exploitability of this vulnerability follows patterns consistent with the attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 sub-technique for command and scripting interpreter, specifically focusing on the use of format string vulnerabilities as an initial access or privilege escalation vector. Organizations utilizing latex2rtf for document conversion workflows, particularly in collaborative or public environments, face heightened risk from this vulnerability. The remediation strategy should prioritize immediate patching to version 2.3.10 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and format string handling. Additional mitigations include implementing strict input validation for TeX document processing, restricting document upload capabilities, and employing sandboxing techniques to isolate document conversion processes from critical system resources, thereby reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.