CVE-2007-4267 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the Networking component in Apple Mac OS X 10.4 through 10.4.10 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a crafted IOCTL request that adds an AppleTalk zone to a routing table.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-4267 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the Networking component of Apple Mac OS X versions 10.4 through 10.4.10. This flaw exists in the kernel-level handling of AppleTalk zone routing table operations, specifically when processing crafted IOCTL (Input/Output Control) requests that attempt to add AppleTalk zones to the routing table. The vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking in the kernel code that manages network routing operations, creating a condition where malicious input can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue where data written to a buffer exceeds the allocated stack space. The affected system components operate with elevated privileges, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by local users to gain unauthorized code execution capabilities. The AppleTalk protocol implementation within the kernel lacks proper input validation for zone names and routing parameters, allowing attackers to craft malicious IOCTL requests that trigger the buffer overflow condition.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it enables local attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, effectively compromising the entire system. When a malicious user submits a crafted IOCTL request containing overly long zone names or malformed routing table entries, the kernel's buffer handling routines fail to properly validate input lengths, resulting in stack memory corruption. This memory corruption can be leveraged to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical stack data structures, potentially allowing attackers to redirect program execution flow. The vulnerability's exploitation requires local system access, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, where adversaries leverage local privileges to escalate their access level. The kernel-level nature of the flaw means that successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to install persistent backdoors, modify system files, or establish covert communication channels. The specific IOCTL interface used for AppleTalk zone management provides a direct pathway for exploitation, as it operates in kernel space where memory protection mechanisms are less restrictive.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system patching through Apple's official security updates, as the flaw exists in the core networking kernel components that cannot be effectively addressed through user-level workarounds. System administrators should prioritize deployment of the security patches released by Apple to address this specific buffer overflow condition in the AppleTalk routing table implementation. The recommended approach includes disabling AppleTalk services entirely if they are not required for network operations, as this eliminates the attack surface associated with the vulnerable IOCTL interface. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit local user access to systems running affected versions of Mac OS X, reducing the likelihood of exploitation. Additionally, system monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual IOCTL requests or network routing table modifications that might indicate attempted exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in kernel space operations and highlights the necessity of regular security assessments of system components that handle privileged operations. Organizations should implement comprehensive vulnerability management processes that include regular patch assessment and deployment for all operating system components, particularly those operating with elevated privileges. Security hardening measures should also include disabling unnecessary network protocols and services to minimize potential attack vectors, as the exploitation of this vulnerability requires specific kernel-level access to the AppleTalk routing table functionality.