CVE-2004-1398 in Toast
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in prelink.c in kextload in Apple OS X, as used by TDIXSupport in Roxio Toast Titanium and possibly other products, allows local users to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in the extension argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2017
This vulnerability exists in the kextload utility within Apple's OS X operating system, specifically within the prelink.c component that handles kernel extension loading operations. The flaw manifests as a format string vulnerability that occurs when the system processes extension arguments without proper input validation or sanitization. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the TDIXSupport component used by Roxio Toast Titanium and potentially other applications that rely on similar kernel extension loading mechanisms. When a local user provides maliciously crafted format string specifiers as arguments to the extension loading process, the system's improper handling of these inputs can lead to arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper use of format string functions such as printf or sprintf without proper validation of user-supplied input. When the prelink.c module processes kernel extension arguments, it likely uses these functions to parse and handle the extension specifications, but fails to validate that the input does not contain format specifiers that could be exploited to manipulate memory or execute unintended code. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-134 as "Use of Externally-Controlled Format String" and represents a classic example of improper input validation in system-level components. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level where the privilege escalation potential is maximized, as the kextload utility typically requires elevated permissions to function properly.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides local users with the capability to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to gain root access, install malicious kernel extensions, or modify critical system components. The attack vector requires local system access but does not require network connectivity, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local access is possible. The vulnerability affects not only Roxio Toast Titanium but potentially any application that utilizes the affected kextload functionality, creating a wide attack surface across multiple software products. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes "Local Port Forwarding" and T1543.003 which covers "Create or Modify System Process: Windows Service" in terms of privilege escalation and system-level persistence mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected systems through official Apple security updates, as well as implementing proper input validation and sanitization in all kernel extension loading processes. Organizations should also consider restricting local system access where possible and implementing monitoring for suspicious kernel extension loading activities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper format string handling in system-level code and the need for comprehensive input validation in all components that process user-supplied data. Additionally, system administrators should implement least privilege principles and regularly audit kernel extension usage to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.