CVE-2007-4681 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in CoreFoundation in Apple Mac OS X 10.3.9 and 10.4 through 10.4.10 allows local users to cause a denial of service (application crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted directory hierarchy.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4681 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Apple's CoreFoundation framework, which serves as a fundamental component of Mac OS X operating systems. This issue affects specific versions including Mac OS X 10.3.9 and all versions from 10.4 through 10.4.10, creating a significant security risk for systems running these outdated releases. The CoreFoundation framework provides essential services for application development and system operations, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited to compromise the integrity and availability of affected systems.
The technical flaw manifests when the CoreFoundation framework processes directory hierarchies, specifically when handling crafted or maliciously constructed directory structures. The buffer overflow occurs during the parsing or manipulation of directory paths, where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, where the attacker can manipulate the program's execution flow by overwriting return addresses or other critical memory segments. The flaw exploits the lack of proper input validation when processing directory structures, enabling attackers to craft specific directory hierarchies that trigger the overflow condition.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, presenting potential for arbitrary code execution on compromised systems. Local users can exploit this weakness to cause applications to crash or to gain elevated privileges within the system. When applications crash due to this buffer overflow, it results in denial of service conditions that can disrupt normal system operations and user productivity. However, the more serious implications arise from the potential for code execution, which could allow attackers to run malicious code with the privileges of the compromised application, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's local nature means that attackers must already have access to the system to exploit it, but this access requirement does not diminish its severity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-4681 should prioritize immediate system updates to the latest available versions of Mac OS X, specifically targeting the patched releases that address this CoreFoundation vulnerability. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive security updates promptly. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of exploitation by reducing the attack surface available to local users. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual application crashes or system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and privilege separation to limit the damage that could result from successful exploitation, as the vulnerability's potential for arbitrary code execution makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where system integrity is paramount.