CVE-2003-1006 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in cd9660.util in Apple Mac OS X 10.0 through 10.3.2 and Apple Mac OS X Server 10.0 through 10.3.2 may allow local users to execute arbitrary code via a long command line parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/24/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-1006 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the cd9660.util utility component of Apple Mac OS X operating systems. This issue affects a broad range of Apple Mac OS X versions including desktop and server variants from 10.0 through 10.3.2, creating a significant security risk across multiple system deployments. The vulnerability specifically targets the cd9660.util utility which is responsible for handling cd9660 filesystem operations, commonly used for mounting optical media and handling iso9660 filesystems. The flaw arises from inadequate input validation within this utility, where command line parameters are processed without proper bounds checking, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the cd9660.util utility processes command line arguments without enforcing size limitations on input parameters. When a local user provides an excessively long command line parameter, the utility fails to validate the input length against the allocated buffer space, resulting in memory corruption that can overwrite adjacent memory locations. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of insufficient input validation that allows attackers to manipulate program execution flow. The buffer overflow can potentially be exploited to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical memory locations, enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides local users with elevated privileges to compromise system integrity and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. Since the exploit requires local system access, attackers must first obtain user-level credentials or physical access to the target system, but once achieved, the vulnerability can be leveraged to execute malicious code with the privileges of the cd9660.util process. This creates a significant risk for systems where local user access is not properly restricted, particularly in enterprise environments where multiple users may have access to system resources. The vulnerability affects systems running Apple Mac OS X 10.0 through 10.3.2, which were widely deployed across both consumer and enterprise markets, amplifying the potential impact of this flaw.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK framework techniques related to privilege escalation and code execution, specifically mapping to techniques such as T1068 for local privilege escalation and T1059 for command and script execution. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches from Apple, restricting local user access to system utilities, and implementing proper input validation controls. System administrators should also consider monitoring for suspicious command line parameter usage and implementing least privilege access controls to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in system utilities, particularly those handling user-supplied data, as highlighted in industry best practices for secure coding and defense in depth strategies.