CVE-2008-1574 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in ImageIO in Apple Mac OS X before 10.5.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted JPEG2000 image that triggers a heap-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-1574 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within Apple Mac OS X's ImageIO framework that affects versions prior to 10.5.3. This vulnerability specifically targets the handling of JPEG2000 image files, which are commonly used in professional imaging and graphic design applications. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and improper integer arithmetic handling when processing specially crafted JPEG2000 files, creating a pathway for malicious exploitation that can result in arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability falls under the category of heap-based buffer overflow as defined by CWE-121, where the overflow occurs in heap memory allocation during image processing operations. The root cause stems from the ImageIO framework's failure to properly validate the dimensions and memory requirements of JPEG2000 image headers, leading to miscalculations in buffer allocation sizes that can be manipulated by attackers through carefully constructed image files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes to encompass full system compromise potential. When a malicious JPEG2000 image is processed by the vulnerable ImageIO framework, the integer overflow can result in memory corruption that attackers can leverage to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. This presents a significant risk to users who may encounter such images through email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing platforms, as the exploitation can occur automatically during image rendering or preview operations. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can deliver malicious payloads without requiring local access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently open compromised image files. The potential for denial of service attacks also poses a risk to system availability, as the application crashes can be triggered repeatedly to disrupt normal operations.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several techniques documented in the attack framework, particularly those involving code execution through memory corruption vulnerabilities. Attackers can craft JPEG2000 files with maliciously calculated header values that cause the integer overflow during buffer allocation, subsequently leading to controlled memory corruption that can be leveraged for privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in system frameworks, as highlighted in the ATT&CK framework's methodology for memory corruption attacks. The flaw represents a classic example of how image processing libraries can become attack vectors when insufficient bounds checking is implemented, particularly in frameworks that handle multiple image formats with complex parsing logic.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1574 primarily focus on applying the official security patches released by Apple for Mac OS X 10.5.3 and subsequent versions. Users should immediately upgrade their systems to ensure the patched ImageIO framework properly validates JPEG2000 image headers and implements appropriate integer overflow protections. Organizations should also implement network-based filtering to block suspicious image file types and employ sandboxing techniques to limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures include monitoring for unusual application behavior and implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security updates. The vulnerability underscores the necessity of comprehensive input validation and robust error handling in system frameworks, particularly those handling multimedia content where malformed inputs can lead to critical security implications. Security professionals should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other image processing components that may be susceptible to similar integer overflow attacks.