CVE-2005-0972 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the searchfs system call in Mac OS X 10.3.9 and earlier allows local users to execute arbitrary code via crafted parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0972 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the searchfs system call implementation in Mac OS X versions 10.3.9 and earlier. This issue resides in the kernel-level file system search functionality that enables users to search for files based on specific criteria within the file system hierarchy. The vulnerability manifests when the system call processes user-supplied parameters that define search boundaries and criteria, particularly affecting the handling of file size and offset calculations during file system traversal operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and arithmetic handling within the searchfs system call. When local users provide crafted parameters containing excessively large integer values, the system fails to properly validate these inputs before performing arithmetic operations that could result in integer overflow conditions. This overflow occurs during the calculation of memory allocation sizes or buffer boundaries, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged by malicious users to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically aligns with CWE-190, which catalogs integer overflow and underflow issues, and represents a classic case of improper integer handling in kernel space operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides local attackers with a pathway to gain root-level access to affected systems. Since the vulnerability exists within a system call that operates with kernel privileges, successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to install malware, modify system files, or establish persistent backdoors. The attack vector requires local system access, making it particularly concerning for environments where user privileges are not properly restricted. This vulnerability also demonstrates the broader implications of kernel-level flaws in operating systems, where a single integer overflow can undermine the entire security model of the platform.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate system updates and patch management, as Apple released security updates addressing this specific issue in subsequent versions of Mac OS X. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring for suspicious system call usage patterns and ensure that all systems are running patched versions of the operating system. The remediation process must include thorough testing of patches to prevent potential system instability while ensuring complete protection against exploitation. Additionally, system administrators should review user privilege models to minimize the attack surface and implement least-privilege principles to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and integer handling in kernel-level code, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through kernel vulnerabilities.