CVE-2005-2502 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in AppKit for Mac OS X 10.3.9 and 10.4.2, as used in applications such as TextEdit, allows external user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted Microsoft Word file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2502 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the AppKit framework of Mac OS X versions 10.3.9 and 10.4.2. This issue specifically affects applications that rely on AppKit for their graphical user interface components, with TextEdit serving as a primary example of an affected application. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation when processing Microsoft Word documents, creating a pathway for malicious code execution that can be triggered through user-assisted attack vectors.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs within the AppKit framework's handling of Word document structures, particularly when parsing specific formatting elements or embedded content within .doc files. When a maliciously crafted Word document is opened by an affected application such as TextEdit, the parsing routine fails to properly validate the size of data buffers allocated for processing document elements. This validation failure allows an attacker to provide input data that exceeds the allocated buffer space, causing memory corruption that can be exploited to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and executable code segments. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking leads to memory corruption that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application compromise, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user account. This user-assisted attack model means that victims must open a maliciously crafted Word document, typically through social engineering or phishing campaigns, but once triggered, the exploit can provide attackers with full control over the compromised system. The vulnerability affects the broader Mac OS X ecosystem since AppKit is a fundamental framework used by numerous applications, making the attack surface significantly larger than just TextEdit alone. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute commands and scripts with elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2502 should focus on immediate system updates and application hardening measures. Apple released patches for Mac OS X 10.3.9 and 10.4.2 that addressed the buffer overflow by implementing proper input validation and bounds checking within the AppKit framework. Organizations should ensure all systems are updated to patched versions of Mac OS X, with particular attention to the AppKit framework components. Additionally, implementing application sandboxing and restricting file type handling for Microsoft Office documents can reduce the attack surface. Network-based mitigations should include filtering of .doc files at network boundaries and implementing strict file validation policies for document processing applications. Security monitoring should focus on unusual application behavior patterns and unauthorized code execution attempts that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in GUI frameworks and highlights the need for comprehensive input validation across all application components that process external data.