CVE-2007-0197 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Finder 10.4.6 on Apple Mac OS X 10.4.8 allows user-assisted remote attackers to cause a denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long volume name in a DMG disk image, which results in memory corruption.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0197 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Apple Mac OS X 10.4.8's Finder application, specifically affecting version 10.4.6. This issue arises from inadequate input validation when processing disk image volume names, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit the system through crafted DMG files. The vulnerability operates under the premise that a maliciously constructed volume name can trigger buffer overflow conditions within the Finder's memory management routines, potentially leading to system instability or unauthorized code execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions in memory management operations. The flaw manifests when the Finder processes a DMG disk image containing an excessively long volume name that exceeds the allocated buffer size. This buffer overflow scenario creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory contents and potentially redirect execution flow. The vulnerability is classified as user-assisted remote, meaning that while the attacker requires some user interaction to initiate the exploit, the attack vector can be delivered remotely through network-based delivery mechanisms such as email attachments or web downloads.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant security risks to Mac OS X users running version 10.4.8. The potential for denial of service means that legitimate system operations could be disrupted, causing users to experience system crashes or unresponsiveness when encountering malicious disk images. More concerning is the possibility of arbitrary code execution, which would allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to affected systems. The vulnerability affects the core Finder application, which is integral to user interaction with the operating system, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through routine file operations.
The attack surface for this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation, as it can be leveraged within broader attack frameworks that align with MITRE ATT&CK techniques such as T1059 for command and scripting interpreter execution and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. The memory corruption aspect of the vulnerability could potentially be chained with other exploits to achieve more sophisticated attack objectives. System administrators should note that this vulnerability affects the operating system's core file management capabilities, making it particularly challenging to mitigate without immediate patch deployment. The risk assessment indicates that organizations using Mac OS X 10.4.8 should prioritize immediate remediation efforts, as the vulnerability's potential for remote code execution creates a substantial threat to system integrity and data security.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of Apple's security patches, which address the buffer overflow condition in Finder's DMG processing routines. System administrators should implement network-based controls to prevent users from accessing potentially malicious DMG files, particularly through email filtering and web proxy configurations. Additionally, user education regarding the dangers of opening untrusted disk images can provide an additional layer of defense. The vulnerability's classification as a memory corruption issue suggests that implementing memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization could provide additional defense in depth. Organizations should also consider monitoring for suspicious file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around Finder processes and disk image handling operations.