CVE-2006-1452 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Preview in Apple Mac OS 10.4 up to 10.4.6 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a deep directory hierarchy.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-1452 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Preview application of Apple Mac OS X versions 10.4 through 10.4.6. This issue stems from inadequate input validation when processing directory structures, specifically when handling deeply nested directory hierarchies. The flaw exists within the file processing mechanisms of Preview, which is Apple's default document viewer application that handles various file formats including images, PDFs, and other document types. When the application encounters a directory structure that exceeds predetermined stack buffer limits, it fails to properly manage memory allocation, leading to potential code execution by malicious actors.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. The flaw specifically manifests when Preview attempts to traverse directory structures that are excessively deep, causing the application to write beyond the allocated buffer space on the stack. This condition creates a situation where attacker-controlled data can overwrite return addresses and other critical stack variables, potentially allowing for arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the executing user. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only local user access to exploit, making it a significant risk in environments where users may have elevated privileges or where privilege escalation is possible through other means.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-1452 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it represents a foundational security weakness that could enable more sophisticated attacks within Apple's operating system ecosystem. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious payloads that might include keyloggers, backdoors, or other persistence mechanisms that could compromise the entire system. The local execution requirement means that an attacker would need to have legitimate user access to the system, but this access could be obtained through various social engineering techniques, credential theft, or exploitation of other vulnerabilities. The vulnerability affects a core application that is widely used and trusted, making the potential impact substantial across both individual users and enterprise environments where Mac OS X systems are deployed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-1452 should include immediate deployment of Apple's security patches, which were released as part of the Mac OS X 10.4.7 update and subsequent versions. System administrators should ensure that all affected systems are updated to the latest stable releases of Mac OS X, as these patches address the underlying buffer overflow conditions through proper bounds checking and memory management. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening untrusted files or directories, particularly those with unusual or deeply nested structures. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file processing activities within Preview, and network administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of Preview with potentially malicious directory structures. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation in application design and serves as a reminder of the critical need for proper stack buffer management in system software development. Organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in other applications and ensure that all software components follow secure coding practices that prevent buffer overflow conditions.