CVE-2008-1030 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the CFDataReplaceBytes function in the CFData API in CoreFoundation in Apple Mac OS X before 10.5.3 allows context-dependent attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (crash) via an invalid length argument, which triggers a heap-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1030 represents a critical integer overflow condition within the CoreFoundation framework of Apple Mac OS X systems. This flaw exists specifically within the CFDataReplaceBytes function, which is part of the CoreFoundation Application Programming Interface that serves as a foundational component for many macOS applications and system services. The vulnerability manifests when the function processes an invalid length argument that exceeds the bounds of a 32-bit integer, creating a scenario where the system allocates insufficient memory for buffer operations. This integer overflow condition directly maps to CWE-190, which categorizes integer overflow vulnerabilities that can lead to heap-based buffer overflows and arbitrary code execution. The affected software versions include Mac OS X before 10.5.3, making this a significant security concern for users operating on older system releases.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker provides a malicious length argument to the CFDataReplaceBytes function, causing the system to compute an incorrect buffer size that exceeds the maximum representable value for a 32-bit signed integer. When the system attempts to allocate memory for this oversized buffer, the integer overflow results in a heap-based buffer overflow condition where adjacent memory regions become corrupted. This memory corruption can be leveraged by attackers to manipulate program execution flow, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes. The vulnerability's context-dependent nature means that exploitation requires specific conditions and may need to be combined with other techniques to achieve successful compromise. The heap-based buffer overflow creates a particularly dangerous scenario because it allows attackers to overwrite critical memory structures and function pointers, enabling sophisticated attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass full system compromise capabilities. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability can cause system crashes that result in denial of service, but more critically, it can be used to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted process. This makes it particularly dangerous in environments where macOS systems handle sensitive data or operate with elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects the core foundational APIs that many applications and system services rely upon, meaning that exploitation could potentially impact multiple applications simultaneously. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to system resources, modify critical data, or establish persistent access points within the compromised system. The vulnerability's presence in CoreFoundation also means that it could affect not only native macOS applications but also third-party software that depends on these system frameworks, amplifying the potential impact.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1030 primarily focus on system updates and application hardening measures. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to Mac OS X 10.5.3 or later versions where Apple has implemented patches addressing the integer overflow condition in the CFDataReplaceBytes function. System administrators should prioritize patch management and ensure all macOS systems are updated to versions that contain the necessary security fixes. Additionally, organizations can implement application sandboxing and privilege separation techniques to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and integer overflow protection mechanisms within system APIs, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves exploiting weaknesses in system processes. Network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect anomalous behavior patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around memory allocation and buffer operations within CoreFoundation components. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime application protection measures and code integrity checks to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other system components.