[Apose.Cells C++] SaveAs in XLS format crashes when Excel file contains invalid "Defined Names"

Aspose.Cells Product Family
1

Hello,
Using Aspose.Cells for C++ 24.2.0
A pointer exception occurs when saving an Excel file to XLS format (Aspose::Cells::SaveFormat::Excel97To2003) when the Excel file contains Defined Names with an invalid expression (Refers To).
In Excel : Formulas / Name Manager.
For example, if the open file is an XLSX file where xl/workbook.xml contains a defined name like <definedName name="xxx">{#N/A,#N/A,FALSE,"EXCISE"}</definedName>

Test steps :

  • Open the XLSX input file (containing a Defined Name with invalid RefersTo expression)
  • Try to Save in Aspose::Cells::SaveFormat::Excel97To2003 format

sample_invalid_defined_name.zip (6.3 KB)

There is no way to catch the error as it is not an exception but a pointer issue (crash).
Note that removing Defined names that start with “={” allows us to work around the crash.
The sample is inspired by a real-life use case where the client XLSX file contains invalid defined names.

2

@chabodfmoodys,

Thanks for the template Excel file.

We will soon evaluate your issue and get back to you.

3

@chabodfmoodys
This problem does exist in v24.2. No problem was found when testing with the latest version 25.1. Please try version 25.1. Thank you.

Workbook wb("aaa.xlsx");
wb.Save("output.xls", Aspose::Cells::SaveFormat::Excel97To2003);
4

Hello Nick,
We have not yet been able to upgrade and test with version 25.1.
Thank you for your reply.

5

@chabodfmoodys,

We recommend upgrading to newer version (e.g., 25.1) of the API as it includes some enhancements and fixes. Please take your time and try the latest version, i.e., Aspose.Cells for C++ v25.3 (if possible). Let us know your feedback once you try the newer version of the API.