CVE-2007-4269 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Integer 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 AppleTalk Session Protocol (ASP) message on an AppleTalk socket, which triggers a heap-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-4269 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the Apple Mac OS X networking stack that affects versions 10.4 through 10.4.10. This issue resides in the AppleTalk Session Protocol implementation, specifically within the networking component that handles AppleTalk socket communications. The flaw manifests when processing crafted AppleTalk Session Protocol messages, creating a condition where integer values exceed their maximum representable range, leading to unexpected behavior in memory management operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a heap-based buffer overflow mechanism that arises from improper input validation in the AppleTalk protocol handler. When a local user crafts a specially designed ASP message and delivers it to an AppleTalk socket, the system's failure to properly validate integer values during message processing results in memory corruption. The integer overflow causes the system to allocate insufficient buffer space for the incoming data, subsequently leading to heap corruption when the oversized data attempts to write beyond allocated boundaries. This memory corruption creates an exploitable condition that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the target process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides local attackers with a means to escalate privileges and potentially gain unauthorized access to system resources. The heap-based nature of the buffer overflow makes exploitation more reliable compared to stack-based alternatives, as heap corruption can be more predictable and easier to control. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code within the context of the affected networking services, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The local execution requirement means that an attacker must already have access to the system to exploit this vulnerability, but the privilege escalation potential makes it particularly dangerous in environments where local access is possible.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which describes integer overflow conditions, and demonstrates how improper integer handling can lead to memory corruption vulnerabilities. The attack pattern follows the ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves local privilege escalation through exploitation of system vulnerabilities. The exploitation requires knowledge of AppleTalk protocol internals and the ability to craft specific network packets, making it more sophisticated than typical buffer overflow attacks but still achievable by determined attackers. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability through official Apple security updates, as the integer overflow in the networking component represents a fundamental flaw that could be exploited for broader system compromise. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and integer overflow protection in network protocol implementations, particularly in operating system networking stacks where multiple protocols interact with shared memory resources.