CVE-2008-2310 in Mac OS X Server
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in c++filt in Apple Mac OS X 10.5 before 10.5.4 allows user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted string in (1) C++ or (2) Java source code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2310 represents a critical format string flaw in the c++filt utility component of Apple Mac OS X 10.5 before version 10.5.4. This issue resides within the C++ symbol demangler tool that is part of the GNU binutils package and is used to convert mangled C++ symbol names into human-readable format. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes specially crafted input strings that contain format specifiers, which are typically used to control output formatting in printf-style functions. The flaw occurs because the c++filt utility fails to properly validate or sanitize input before using it in format string operations, creating a classic security vulnerability that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the fundamental weakness in how the c++filt utility handles user-provided input strings. When processing C++ or Java source code containing crafted format specifiers, the application passes these unvalidated strings directly to printf or similar functions without proper encoding or sanitization. This allows attackers to inject format string arguments that can manipulate the program's execution flow, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes. The vulnerability is classified as user-assisted because it requires an attacker to convince a victim to process a specially crafted file or input, making it less likely to be exploited automatically but still highly dangerous in targeted attacks. This flaw directly maps to CWE-134, which specifically addresses the use of format strings with user-supplied data without proper validation or sanitization.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-2310 extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially enable full system compromise through arbitrary code execution. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code with the privileges of the user running c++filt, which typically runs with standard user permissions but could potentially be exploited in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to escalate privileges. The vulnerability affects developers and system administrators who may inadvertently process untrusted C++ or Java source code through the c++filt utility, making it particularly dangerous in development environments where code analysis tools are frequently used. In practical scenarios, this vulnerability could be exploited during code review processes, automated build systems, or when analyzing third-party source code, creating potential attack vectors for sophisticated adversaries. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the use of scripting languages, as the exploitation could involve crafting malicious source code to trigger the vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2310 should focus on immediate patching of affected systems, as Apple released security updates for Mac OS X 10.5.4 that addressed this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict input validation for all applications that process user-supplied data, particularly those that use printf-style functions. The recommended approach includes using secure coding practices such as employing functions like snprintf instead of sprintf, or ensuring that format strings are always properly validated and sanitized. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while monitoring for unusual patterns of code processing that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications that might be susceptible to format string attacks, ensuring comprehensive protection against this class of vulnerability that has been a persistent threat in software security for decades.