CVE-2007-0736 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the RPC library in Libinfo in Apple Mac OS X 10.3.9 through 10.4.9 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted requests to portmap.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-0736 represents a critical integer overflow condition within the Remote Procedure Call library of Apple Mac OS X operating systems. This flaw exists in the libinfo library component that handles portmap services, which are essential for RPC communication between networked applications. The affected versions span from Mac OS X 10.3.9 through 10.4.9, indicating a significant timeframe of exposure that affected numerous users and systems running these older operating system versions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of integer values within the RPC library functions that process incoming requests from portmap services. When maliciously crafted requests are sent to the portmap service on affected systems, the integer overflow condition causes the system to allocate insufficient memory buffers or perform invalid arithmetic operations. This memory corruption directly enables attackers to manipulate the program execution flow and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected service.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway to compromise entire systems through network-based attacks. Since portmap services are typically accessible over the network and often run with elevated privileges, successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise without requiring local access or authentication. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers could potentially target systems from anywhere on the network, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where Mac OS X systems might be exposed to external network traffic.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and demonstrates how improper input validation in system libraries can create severe security implications. From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability fits within the ATT&CK framework under the initial access and execution phases, as it enables remote code execution capabilities that can be leveraged for further system compromise. The attack vector through portmap services represents a common target for network-based exploitation, particularly in environments where legacy operating systems remain in use without proper security updates.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches from Apple, which would have addressed the integer overflow in the libinfo library. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to restrict access to portmap services where possible, particularly on systems that cannot be immediately patched. Additionally, monitoring network traffic for unusual portmap activity and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date operating systems and security patches, as unpatched systems remain vulnerable to known exploits for extended periods.