CVE-2007-0750 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in CoreGraphics in Apple Mac OS X 10.4 up to 10.4.9 allows remote user-assisted attackers to cause a denial of service (application termination) or execute arbitrary code via a crafted PDF file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0750 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the CoreGraphics framework of Apple Mac OS X versions 10.4 through 10.4.9. This issue resides in the graphics rendering subsystem that processes PDF documents, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the operating system's handling of graphical data. The vulnerability specifically affects the way CoreGraphics manages memory allocation when processing malformed PDF files, leading to potential system compromise through remote user-assisted attacks.
The technical flaw manifests as an integer overflow condition that occurs during the processing of PDF files containing specially crafted graphics elements. When the CoreGraphics component attempts to allocate memory for rendering these malformed elements, the integer arithmetic produces a value that exceeds the maximum representable integer, causing the system to allocate insufficient memory or trigger unexpected behavior. This overflow condition creates a memory corruption scenario that can be leveraged by attackers to manipulate program execution flow. The vulnerability operates under CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to encompass potential arbitrary code execution capabilities. Remote attackers can craft malicious PDF documents that, when opened by a victim using affected Mac OS X versions, will cause applications to crash or potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the compromised application. The user-assisted nature of the attack means that victims must actively open the malicious PDF file, typically through email attachments or web downloads, making social engineering a critical component of successful exploitation. This vulnerability affects core system applications that handle PDF rendering, including Safari web browser and Preview application, creating widespread potential impact across different user scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0750 require immediate system updates to Apple's security patches, specifically addressing the CoreGraphics component in Mac OS X 10.4.9 and subsequent releases. Organizations should implement strict PDF file validation policies and consider sandboxing mechanisms to limit the potential impact of exploitation. Network administrators should deploy content filtering solutions that can detect and block suspicious PDF attachments, while users must maintain updated system software and exercise caution when opening PDF files from untrusted sources. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that protect against both known and emerging threats in the macOS environment.