CVE-2007-0719 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Apple Mac OS X 10.3.9 and 10.4 through 10.4.8 allows remote user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code via an image with a crafted ColorSync profile.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0719 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw affecting Apple Mac OS X versions 10.3.9 and 10.4 through 10.4.8. This vulnerability resides in the ColorSync framework which is responsible for color management and profile handling within the operating system. The flaw specifically manifests when the system processes image files that contain specially crafted ColorSync profiles, creating a dangerous condition that can be exploited by remote attackers with user assistance. The vulnerability operates through a classic stack overflow mechanism where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to write data beyond the allocated buffer space, potentially overwriting critical memory locations including return addresses and function pointers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of ColorSync profile data structures during image processing operations. When a maliciously crafted image file is opened or processed by applications that utilize ColorSync for color management, the system fails to validate the size and structure of the embedded ColorSync profile. This validation failure allows an attacker to construct a profile with oversized data fields that exceed the allocated buffer boundaries. The overflow occurs in the stack memory region where local variables and function return addresses are stored, making it possible for an attacker to manipulate the program flow and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected process. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as stack-based buffer overflow, which directly enables code execution through memory corruption techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with a reliable method for remote code execution on vulnerable systems. The user-assisted nature of the attack means that a user must interact with the malicious image file, typically through standard image viewing applications or document processing software that relies on ColorSync for color management. This interaction creates a realistic attack scenario where social engineering or phishing techniques can be employed to deliver the malicious payload. The vulnerability affects a broad range of applications including image viewers, document processors, and any software that utilizes Apple's ColorSync framework for color profile handling. This widespread impact makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited across multiple application vectors within the operating system ecosystem.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0719 focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures. The most effective solution involves applying the official security updates released by Apple that address the buffer overflow in the ColorSync framework. System administrators should prioritize deployment of these patches across all affected Mac OS X systems, particularly those running versions 10.3.9 through 10.4.8. Additionally, network security controls should implement content filtering and sandboxing measures to prevent the automatic execution of potentially malicious image files. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 for command and script injection, as successful exploitation would enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target system. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of image processing applications from untrusted sources and establish network monitoring protocols to detect suspicious file transfer activities that might indicate exploitation attempts.