CVE-2008-0992 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Array index error in pax in Apple Mac OS X 10.5.2 allows context-dependent attackers to execute arbitrary code via an archive with a crafted length value.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-0992 represents a critical array index error within the pax utility implementation on Apple Mac OS X 10.5.2 systems. This flaw exists in the handling of archive files and specifically affects the pax (POSIX archiving) tool that is used for creating and extracting archive files. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of archive metadata, particularly the length fields within archive headers, which allows attackers to manipulate these values to trigger out-of-bounds memory access conditions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within the realm of buffer overflow conditions and memory corruption flaws, with the specific weakness classified as an array index error that can be exploited through crafted archive content. When pax processes an archive file containing maliciously constructed length values, it fails to properly validate these indices before using them to access array elements, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can be used to bypass normal bounds checking mechanisms. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the archive processing level where legitimate archive operations are common and expected.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it allows context-dependent attackers to gain arbitrary code execution privileges on affected systems. The attack requires the victim to process a specially crafted archive file through the pax utility, making this a targeted privilege escalation or code execution vector that could be leveraged in social engineering campaigns or supply chain attacks. The context-dependent nature of the attack means that successful exploitation requires specific conditions to be met, including the victim's interaction with the malicious archive and the system's use of the vulnerable pax implementation. This vulnerability affects the core archiving functionality of Mac OS X and could potentially be used to compromise system integrity and confidentiality.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected systems through Apple's security updates, which would address the underlying array index validation issues in pax. System administrators should also implement strict file validation policies for archive processing, particularly when dealing with untrusted archive content from external sources. The implementation of sandboxing mechanisms and privilege separation for archive processing utilities can help contain potential exploitation attempts. From a security monitoring perspective, organizations should establish detection capabilities for unusual archive processing activities and implement proper access controls to prevent unauthorized execution of archive processing commands. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through command and scripting interpreter, and CWE-129 for improper validation of array indices, making it a significant concern for enterprise security postures and compliance requirements.