Windows Installer Can Enable Privileged Trojan Execution
Version 1.0
Announced October 11, 2016
Description
The Apache OpenOffice installer for Winodws contained a defective operation that could trigger execution of unwanted software installed by a Trojan Horse application. The installer defect is known as an "unquoted Windows search path vulnerability."
In the case of Apache OpenOffice installers for Windows, the PC must have previously been infected by a Trojan Horse application (or user) running with administrative privilege. Any installer with the unquoted search path vulnerability becomes a delayed trigger for the exploit. The exploit may already have operated on the user's PC.
Severity: Medium
There are no known exploits of this vulnerabilty.
A proof-of-concept demonstration exists.
Vendor: The Apache Software Foundation
Versions Affected
All Apache OpenOffice versions 4.1.2 and older are affected.
OpenOffice.org versions are also affected.
Mitigation
Install Apache OpenOffice 4.1.3 for the latest maintenance and
cumulative security fixes. Use the Apache OpenOffice
download page.
If instead of a typical installation you use a custom-installation
option to change the location where Apache OpenOffice is installed,
use a location that has no spaces in its full-path name.
Defenses and Work-Arounds
If you are unable to update to 4.1.3, there are other precautions
that can be taken. These precausions are also recommended as protection against other software that may have the vulnerability.
Ensure that there are no programs installed at the top-level folder
(usually C:\) where Windows is installed. All are dangerous,
especially ones named "Program", whether "Program.exe" or some
other variation.
If such programs are found, install or update to current
anti-virus/-malware software. Perform a complete system scan.
The scan may provide for removal of programs where there should
not be any. If that does not happen, it is necessary to remove
any Program.exe and others manually using administrator privilege.
Further Information
For additional information and assistance, consult the Apache OpenOffice Community Forums, or make requests to the users@openoffice.apache.org public mailing list. Defects not involving suspected security vulnerabilities can be reported with a normal issue via Bugzilla.
The latest information on Apache OpenOffice security bulletins can be found at the Bulletin Archive page.
Credits
The Apache OpenOffice project acknowledges the reporting and analysis for CVE-2016-6803 by Cyril Vallicari.
