CVE-2007-0645 in iPhoto
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in iPhoto 6.0.5 allows remote user-assisted attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via format string specifiers in a filename, which is not properly handled when calling certain Apple AppKit functions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0645 represents a critical format string flaw within Apple's iPhoto 6.0.5 application that exposes users to potential denial of service attacks. This vulnerability specifically resides in the application's handling of filename strings that contain format specifiers, which are typically used in programming contexts to control output formatting. When iPhoto encounters a filename containing these specifiers, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before passing it to underlying Apple AppKit functions. The flaw stems from improper string handling practices where the application directly uses user-supplied input without adequate preprocessing or escaping mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a remote attacker crafts a malicious filename containing format string specifiers such as %s, %d, or other printf-style format specifiers. When iPhoto processes this filename and attempts to display or manipulate it through AppKit functions, the application's improper handling causes the format string to be interpreted as executable code rather than literal text. This misinterpretation leads to memory corruption and ultimately results in application crash or complete denial of service. The vulnerability is classified as user-assisted because it requires the attacker to somehow convince a user to interact with the malicious file, typically through social engineering or by embedding the crafted filename in a malicious context.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for users who rely on iPhoto for media management and organization. The denial of service impact means that legitimate users can be disrupted from their normal workflow when the application crashes, potentially resulting in data loss or extended downtime. The vulnerability affects the broader Apple ecosystem since it demonstrates poor input validation practices that could potentially be exploited in other Apple applications that utilize similar AppKit functions. This flaw aligns with CWE-134, which specifically addresses the use of format strings with user-supplied data, and represents a classic example of improper input validation that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The security implications extend beyond immediate denial of service to potential exploitation for more sophisticated attacks within the context of the Apple AppKit framework. Attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability as a stepping stone for more advanced attacks, particularly in environments where iPhoto might be used to process untrusted media files. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper string handling in GUI applications where user input is processed through system-level functions. Organizations should consider implementing additional security measures such as input sanitization, application whitelisting, and regular security updates to mitigate risks associated with this class of vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a technique involving input validation bypass, where attackers exploit improper handling of user-provided data to cause system instability or unauthorized access.