CVE-2007-2405 in PDFKit
Summary
by MITRE
Integer underflow in Preview in PDFKit on Apple Mac OS X 10.4.10 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted PDF file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2405 represents a critical integer underflow flaw within the PDFKit framework of Apple Mac OS X 10.4.10, specifically affecting the preview functionality. This issue resides in the handling of malformed PDF documents and creates a pathway for remote code execution through crafted malicious files. The vulnerability demonstrates the classic pattern of integer arithmetic errors that can lead to memory corruption and unauthorized code execution, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently interact with PDF documents.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the PDF parsing routines of PDFKit. When processing certain PDF files, the system performs arithmetic operations on integer values that should represent document structure elements such as object offsets or size parameters. An attacker can manipulate these values to cause an integer underflow condition, where a subtraction operation results in a value that wraps around to a much larger number than expected. This overflow creates a situation where memory allocation calculations become invalid, potentially leading to buffer overflows or other memory corruption scenarios. The flaw specifically affects how the preview component handles document structure elements, making it exploitable through the standard PDF viewing interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities to encompass complete system compromise. Remote attackers can craft PDF files that, when opened in the default preview application, trigger the integer underflow condition and subsequently execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the preview application. This scenario typically translates to privilege escalation opportunities and potential full system control, especially when users open PDF documents from untrusted sources. The vulnerability affects the broader ecosystem of applications that rely on PDFKit for document rendering, including email clients, web browsers, and document management systems that utilize Apple's native PDF handling capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2405 require immediate system updates and administrative intervention to address the underlying integer underflow condition. The most effective approach involves applying Apple's official security patches that correct the arithmetic error in PDFKit's parsing routines and implement proper input validation for all document structure elements. Organizations should also consider implementing network-level controls to filter potentially malicious PDF files, particularly those from untrusted sources, and establish user education programs to avoid opening suspicious documents. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual PDF processing activities and potential exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-191, which specifically addresses integer underflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how improper integer handling can lead to remote code execution as documented in various ATT&CK frameworks under the technique of code injection and privilege escalation.