CVE-2008-1575 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Apple Type Services (ATS) server in Apple Mac OS X 10.5 before 10.5.3 allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted embedded font in a PDF document, related to memory corruption that occurs during printing.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1575 resides within Apple Type Services, a critical component of Mac OS X operating systems that manages font handling and rendering operations. This flaw exists in versions prior to 10.5.3 and represents a significant security weakness that can be exploited through crafted PDF documents containing malicious embedded fonts. The vulnerability operates through a user-assisted remote attack vector, meaning that while the attacker must convince a user to open a specially crafted PDF file, the actual execution of malicious code occurs without requiring additional user interaction beyond the initial document opening.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability involves memory corruption that occurs specifically during the printing process of PDF documents containing maliciously crafted fonts. When the Apple Type Services server processes these embedded fonts, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the font data, leading to memory corruption conditions that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code. This memory corruption typically manifests as buffer overflows or heap corruption scenarios that allow attackers to overwrite critical memory locations. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition, though the specific nature involves memory corruption during font processing operations that are triggered during print operations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a substantial risk to Mac OS X users who may encounter malicious PDF documents in email attachments, web downloads, or shared network resources. The user-assisted nature of the attack means that social engineering plays a crucial role in exploitation, as users must be convinced to open the malicious PDF file. However, the potential impact is severe since successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user account. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through legitimate print operations, making it difficult for users to identify when they are at risk.
The attack pattern for this vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the ATT&CK framework, particularly focusing on initial access and execution phases. Attackers would craft malicious PDF documents containing specially designed embedded fonts that trigger the memory corruption in Apple Type Services during print operations. The exploitation process requires the victim to open the PDF document and initiate a print action, which serves as the attack trigger. This methodology represents a form of file-based attack that leverages the trust users place in PDF documents while exploiting the underlying font processing mechanisms. Organizations should consider implementing security controls that monitor for suspicious PDF content and limit print operations on untrusted documents to mitigate this risk.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1575 primarily focus on updating to Apple Mac OS X 10.5.3 or later versions where the vulnerability has been patched. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all Mac OS X systems receive the necessary security updates. Additional protective measures include implementing PDF content filtering, disabling automatic printing of PDF documents, and educating users about the risks of opening untrusted PDF files. Network security controls such as web proxies and email filters can also help reduce the likelihood of users encountering malicious PDF documents. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint protection solutions that can detect and block suspicious font processing activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping font processing libraries updated, as these components often handle untrusted input from various sources and can become attack vectors when not properly secured.