CVE-2006-1220 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the mach_msg_send function in the kernel for Mac OS X might allow local users to execute arbitrary code via unknown attack vectors related to a large message header size, which leads to a heap-based buffer overflow.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/07/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-1220 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the Mach messaging subsystem of Mac OS X kernel architecture. This issue resides in the mach_msg_send function which handles message passing between processes in the operating system's kernel space. The vulnerability manifests when processing messages with excessively large header sizes, creating conditions where integer arithmetic operations exceed their maximum representable values. Such overflow conditions can result in memory corruption that fundamentally compromises system integrity and security boundaries. The flaw specifically affects the kernel's heap management mechanisms, where the overflow occurs during buffer allocation for message headers, creating opportunities for malicious code execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which categorizes integer overflow conditions that can lead to buffer overflows and memory corruption. The attack vector involves local users exploiting the kernel's message handling capabilities to trigger the integer overflow through carefully crafted message headers. When the integer overflow occurs during header size calculations, it can cause the kernel to allocate insufficient memory for the message buffer, leading to heap-based buffer overflows. These buffer overflows provide attackers with opportunities to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially including return addresses, function pointers, or other critical control data structures within the kernel's memory space. The exploitation requires local system access but can result in privilege escalation to kernel-level execution privileges, fundamentally compromising the operating system's security model.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to represent a fundamental threat to system integrity and security boundaries. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can achieve complete system compromise, bypassing standard user-mode security controls and gaining unrestricted access to the entire operating system. The vulnerability affects the core messaging infrastructure that enables inter-process communication throughout Mac OS X, making it a critical target for exploitation. The heap-based buffer overflow conditions create unpredictable memory corruption patterns that can be leveraged for various attack techniques including return-oriented programming and stack pivoting. Additionally, the vulnerability's location within kernel space means that successful exploitation can bypass traditional security mechanisms such as address space layout randomization and data execution prevention features.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-1220 should prioritize immediate system updates and patches from Apple to address the underlying integer overflow conditions in the Mach messaging subsystem. System administrators should implement comprehensive monitoring for unusual kernel memory allocation patterns and message passing activities that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers exploit for privilege escalation, suggests that defensive measures should include kernel-level integrity checking and monitoring of kernel-mode execution flows. Additional protective measures include implementing kernel extension whitelisting policies, enabling system integrity protection features, and conducting regular security assessments of kernel components. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting kernel vulnerabilities, particularly those affecting core messaging subsystems. Regular security updates and patch management programs are essential to prevent exploitation of this and similar kernel-level vulnerabilities that can provide attackers with complete system compromise capabilities.