@@ -1108,8 +1108,14 @@
     if (dsize > 256.0 * 1024.0 * 1024.0)
 	return FREEXL_INSUFFICIENT_MEMORY;
 
 /* allocating the cell values array */
+    if (workbook->active_sheet->rows *
+		 workbook->active_sheet->columns <= 0)
+		 {
+    workbook->active_sheet->cell_values = NULL;
+    return FREEXL_OK;
+		 }
     workbook->active_sheet->cell_values =
 	malloc (sizeof (biff_cell_value) *
 		(workbook->active_sheet->rows *
 		 workbook->active_sheet->columns));