CVE-2005-2744 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in QuickDraw Manager for Apple OS X 10.3.9 and 10.4.2, as used by applications such as Safari, Mail, and Finder, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted PICT file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-2744 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the QuickDraw Manager component of Apple's operating system versions 10.3.9 and 10.4.2. This issue affects core system functionality through applications that utilize the QuickDraw graphics rendering capabilities, including Safari web browser, Mail email client, and Finder file manager. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation when processing PICT (Picture) image files, which are native to the Macintosh operating system and widely used for graphics representation. When a maliciously crafted PICT file is processed by any of these applications, the buffer overflow occurs during the parsing of image data, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory boundaries. The QuickDraw Manager's failure to properly validate the size and structure of PICT file data creates an exploitable condition where attacker-controlled input can overwrite critical program memory. This flaw operates at the application layer and leverages the trust model inherent in the operating system's graphics processing pipeline. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered remotely through web-based content or email attachments, making it a prime target for drive-by attacks and social engineering campaigns. The exploitation process typically involves crafting a PICT file with malformed data structures that cause the buffer overflow when processed by the vulnerable applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-2744 extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and persistent access for attackers. The affected applications are integral to user workflows, making the attack surface particularly wide and the potential damage significant. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, install backdoors, or establish persistent access to vulnerable systems. The vulnerability's remote exploitability through web browsers makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently encounter malicious PICT files in email attachments or web content. This flaw directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers command and scripting interpreter execution through application-specific vulnerabilities, and T1203, which involves exploitation for privilege escalation through buffer overflow mechanisms. Organizations running affected Apple OS X versions face significant risk exposure, as the vulnerability can be exploited without user interaction in many scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2744 primarily focus on immediate patching and application hardening measures. Apple released security updates for the affected operating system versions that addressed the buffer overflow in QuickDraw Manager through improved input validation and memory bounds checking. System administrators should prioritize applying these patches across all affected systems and monitor for any exploitation attempts through network intrusion detection systems. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of untrusted PICT files, configuring email filtering to block suspicious attachments, and disabling automatic preview of potentially malicious file types in web browsers and email clients. Network segmentation and endpoint protection solutions can provide additional layers of defense by monitoring for suspicious file processing activities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security updates and proper input validation practices in preventing buffer overflow exploits, which remain a prevalent class of security flaws in operating system and application code according to industry security frameworks and vulnerability databases.