CVE-2007-0746 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the VideoConference framework in Apple Mac OS X 10.3.9 through 10.4.9 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a "crafted SIP packet when initializing an audio/video conference".
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0746 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within Apple Mac OS X's VideoConference framework affecting versions 10.3.9 through 10.4.9. This flaw resides in the handling of Session Initiation Protocol packets during audio/video conference initialization processes, creating a remote code execution vector that could be exploited by attackers positioned outside the local network. The vulnerability specifically targets the heap memory management routines that process incoming SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) packets, where insufficient bounds checking allows maliciously crafted data to overwrite adjacent memory regions. The VideoConference framework operates as part of Apple's Core Media framework and is responsible for managing multimedia communication sessions, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise user systems through network-based attacks. The heap overflow occurs during the parsing of SIP packet headers and body content when establishing audio/video conference connections, particularly when processing malformed or oversized data structures within the packet payload.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to send a specially crafted SIP packet to a target system running the vulnerable Mac OS X version. The malicious packet contains oversized or malformed data that exceeds the allocated buffer space within the heap memory structure used by the VideoConference framework. When the system processes this packet during conference initialization, the buffer overflow corrupts adjacent heap memory, potentially allowing an attacker to overwrite critical function pointers, return addresses, or other control data structures. This memory corruption can be leveraged to redirect program execution flow, enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected process. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking on heap-allocated memory leads to memory corruption. The attack vector operates over the network, making it particularly dangerous as it does not require physical access or local user interaction, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with full system compromise capabilities through remote code execution. An attacker could potentially install malware, establish persistent backdoors, access sensitive user data, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within a network. The vulnerability affects systems that have the VideoConference framework enabled, which typically includes systems configured for multimedia communications or those with VoIP capabilities. The risk is particularly elevated in enterprise environments where multiple Mac systems might be participating in audio/video conferencing solutions, as a single compromised system could serve as a foothold for broader network infiltration. Organizations running vulnerable versions of Mac OS X would face significant security implications, including potential data breaches, system downtime, and compliance violations, especially in regulated industries where system integrity and data protection are paramount.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0746 require immediate patching of affected systems with Apple's security updates, which would address the buffer overflow in the VideoConference framework by implementing proper bounds checking and memory validation. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable systems to untrusted networks, particularly by blocking SIP traffic on non-essential ports or implementing firewalls that filter malicious SIP packet patterns. The implementation of network intrusion detection systems can help identify and alert on suspicious SIP packet patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, system administrators should disable unnecessary multimedia conferencing features and services when not actively required, reducing the attack surface. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining vulnerable components or configurations that might be exposed to similar attacks. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patches to ensure they do not introduce compatibility issues with existing multimedia applications or conferencing systems, while maintaining strict adherence to Apple's security guidelines and best practices for system hardening.