CVE-2017-14226 in libwpd
Summary
by MITRE
WP1StylesListener.cpp, WP5StylesListener.cpp, and WP42StylesListener.cpp in libwpd 0.10.1 mishandle iterators, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (heap-based buffer over-read in the WPXTableList class in WPXTable.cpp). This vulnerability can be triggered in LibreOffice before 5.3.7. It may lead to suffering a remote attack against a LibreOffice application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14226 represents a critical heap-based buffer over-read flaw within the libwpd library version 0.10.1, specifically affecting the WPXTableList class in WPXTable.cpp. This issue manifests through the improper handling of iterators in three distinct listener files: WP1StylesListener.cpp, WP5StylesListener.cpp, and WP42StylesListener.cpp. The flaw occurs when processing WordPerfect document formats, creating a scenario where remote attackers can exploit the vulnerability to trigger a denial of service condition that affects applications utilizing this library.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from iterator management errors that result in memory access violations beyond the bounds of allocated heap memory. When the WPXTableList class processes table structures within WordPerfect documents, the flawed iterator logic causes the application to read memory locations that have not been properly allocated or initialized. This over-read condition can lead to application crashes, memory corruption, or potentially more severe consequences depending on the execution environment. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the library level, meaning any application that depends on libwpd for document processing could be affected, including major office suites like LibreOffice.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially enable more sophisticated attack vectors. In the context of LibreOffice versions prior to 5.3.7, this flaw creates a remote attack surface where malicious actors could craft specially formatted WordPerfect documents to trigger the buffer over-read condition. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only the processing of a malicious document, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently open documents from untrusted sources. This scenario aligns with attack patterns documented in the attack tree framework where initial access through document processing represents a common entry point for office suite exploitation.
The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities, and can be categorized under the broader ATT&CK technique of T1203, which involves exploitation of remote services or applications. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the widespread use of libwpd in various document processing applications, creating a ripple effect where a single flaw can compromise multiple software products. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a classic example of how memory safety issues in C/C++ libraries can create persistent threats across multiple applications that depend on the same underlying components.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate remediation through software updates and patches. Organizations should prioritize updating to LibreOffice 5.3.7 or later versions that contain fixes for this specific issue, along with ensuring that all dependencies on libwpd are updated to versions that address the iterator handling problems. Additionally, implementing document validation and sandboxing measures can help reduce the risk of exploitation, particularly in environments where document processing occurs with limited user interaction. Network administrators should consider implementing content filtering solutions that can identify and block potentially malicious WordPerfect documents, while security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability in their environments.