LibreOffice, a popular free office suite, recently fixed a major security flaw that could have let hackers run harmful files on Windows computers. The issue, identified as CVE-2025-0514, was related to how the software handled links inside documents. If exploited, it could allow attackers to trick users into opening dangerous files.
How the flaw worked
LibreOffice allows users to click on hyperlinks in documents to open websites or files. Normally, it blocks links that try to open unsafe files, but older versions (before 24.8.5) failed to properly check certain types of links.
Hackers found a way to trick the software by using specially designed web addresses. When a user clicked one of these deceptive links, LibreOffice could mistakenly treat it as a local file path and execute harmful programs. Unlike other document-based attacks that require macros, this method only needed the user to click a link, making it especially dangerous.
LibreOffice fixes the issue
To prevent such attacks, LibreOffice released version 24.8.5 on February 25, 2025. The update improves how the software checks links, ensuring that unsafe web addresses cannot be mistaken for local files.
Developers Caolán McNamara from Collabora Productivity and Stephen Bergman from allotropia worked on fixing the issue after it was reported by security researcher Amel Bouziane-Leblond. The flaw highlighted how small errors in how software reads links can create serious security risks.
What users should do
This vulnerability could be used in phishing scams where hackers send fake documents to trick people into clicking malicious links. To stay safe, users should update their LibreOffice software immediately.
Here are some steps to stay protected:
1. Install the latest LibreOffice update (24.8.5 or later) to fix the issue
2. Be cautious with documents from unknown sources, especially if they contain links
3. Avoid clicking hyperlinks in documents unless you trust the sender
4. Businesses should ensure all their computers are updated to reduce security risks
The importance of updates
While this flaw mainly affected Windows users, it highlights the need for strong security measures in office software. Cybercriminals constantly find new ways to exploit common tools, making software updates and user awareness essential.
So far, there are no known real-world attacks using this vulnerability, but security experts consider it critical. Users can download the latest LibreOffice version from the official website or update it through Linux package managers.
