CVE-2005-2505 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in CoreFoundation in Mac OS X 10.3.9 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via command line arguments to an application that uses CoreFoundation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2505 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the CoreFoundation framework of Mac OS X 10.3.9 operating system. This fundamental security weakness exists in the way the system processes command line arguments for applications that utilize CoreFoundation services, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors to gain unauthorized code execution privileges. The vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking mechanisms within the CoreFoundation library, which is a foundational component responsible for providing essential services including data storage, networking, and application framework support across macOS applications.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when applications relying on CoreFoundation process command line parameters without adequate input validation or size restrictions. Attackers can craft specially designed command line arguments that exceed the allocated buffer space, causing memory corruption that can be manipulated to overwrite critical program execution flow. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, as the exploitation leverages command line argument processing as the attack vector. The overflow can potentially overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical memory structures, enabling attackers to redirect program execution to malicious code payloads.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-2505 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with a pathway to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted application process. This vulnerability affects the entire ecosystem of applications built on or utilizing CoreFoundation services, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited across multiple software applications without requiring specific application-level vulnerabilities. The attack surface is broad since CoreFoundation is a fundamental framework used by numerous system applications and third-party software, potentially allowing attackers to compromise system integrity, access sensitive data, or establish persistent access points within the affected system environment. Organizations running Mac OS X 10.3.9 were particularly vulnerable as this version did not contain the necessary security patches or input validation mechanisms to prevent such memory corruption scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates and patches provided by Apple to address the underlying buffer overflow conditions within CoreFoundation. System administrators should prioritize deployment of the official security patches released by Apple that specifically target the CoreFoundation buffer overflow issue, while also implementing additional defensive measures such as input validation controls and application sandboxing techniques. The remediation process should include comprehensive system monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and network segmentation to limit lateral movement if compromise occurs. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime protection mechanisms and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities within their application environments, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management and bounds checking in preventing remote code execution exploits. The incident highlights the critical need for robust software development practices and regular security updates to protect against such foundational framework vulnerabilities that can affect entire operating system ecosystems.