CVE-2006-3498 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in bootpd in the DHCP component for Apple Mac OS X 10.3.9 and 10.4.7 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted BOOTP request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-3498 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the bootpd service component of Apple Mac OS X versions 10.3.9 and 10.4.7. This flaw exists specifically within the DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) implementation that is part of the bootpd daemon, which is responsible for handling BOOTP (Bootstrap Protocol) requests in the operating system. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation when processing crafted BOOTP packets, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain arbitrary code execution on affected systems.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the bootpd service receives a specially crafted BOOTP request containing malicious data that exceeds the allocated buffer space. This overflow corrupts adjacent memory locations on the stack, potentially allowing an attacker to overwrite return addresses and function pointers with malicious code pointers. The vulnerability is classified as a stack-based buffer overflow under CWE-121, which specifically addresses buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows data to overwrite adjacent stack memory. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it operates over network protocols, making it accessible to remote attackers without requiring local system access or authentication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over affected Mac OS X systems. The attack vector through the DHCP component means that an attacker could potentially compromise systems in network environments where DHCP services are actively used, particularly in enterprise settings where Mac OS X systems might be configured to automatically request IP addresses from network DHCP servers. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers the exploitation of vulnerabilities in network infrastructure components, and T1059, which covers execution through command and scripting interpreters. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries could potentially compromise multiple systems within a network segment without requiring physical access or local credentials, making it particularly attractive for network-wide attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of affected systems with Apple's security updates, which would address the buffer overflow condition in the bootpd service. Network administrators should also implement proper network segmentation and access controls to limit the scope of potential exploitation. Additionally, monitoring network traffic for unusual BOOTP request patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation in network services and demonstrates how seemingly benign protocols like BOOTP can become attack vectors when not properly secured. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control measures that limit which systems can act as DHCP servers and ensure that only trusted devices can participate in the network's DHCP infrastructure. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patches in controlled environments before deployment to prevent service disruptions.