CVE-2009-0160 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
QuickDraw Manager in Apple Mac OS X 10.4.11 and 10.5 before 10.5.7 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted PICT image that triggers memory corruption.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0160 resides within the QuickDraw Manager component of Apple Mac OS X, specifically affecting versions 10.4.11 and 10.5 prior to 10.5.7. This flaw represents a critical memory corruption issue that manifests when the system processes maliciously crafted PICT image files. The QuickDraw Manager serves as a fundamental graphics handling subsystem responsible for rendering various image formats and graphical operations within the Mac OS X environment. When confronted with malformed PICT data, the manager fails to properly validate input parameters, leading to unpredictable memory state corruption that can be exploited by remote attackers.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations. The flaw operates through a classic buffer overflow mechanism where attacker-controlled data exceeds the allocated memory boundaries within the QuickDraw Manager's image parsing routines. This memory corruption occurs during the processing of PICT format specifications, particularly when handling malformed header structures or embedded data sequences that exceed expected parameter limits. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can deliver malicious PICT files through various network channels including email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing systems without requiring local system access.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to Mac OS X users as it enables remote code execution capabilities that could allow attackers to gain full system control. The potential impact extends beyond simple application crashes to encompass complete system compromise, data theft, and persistent backdoor installation. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application, typically resulting in system-level access that would enable them to manipulate files, install malware, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability affects both desktop and server environments, making it particularly dangerous for organizations relying on Mac systems.
The exploitation of CVE-2009-0160 follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059, where adversaries leverage system vulnerabilities to execute malicious code remotely. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the official Apple security patches released for versions 10.5.7 and 10.4.11, disabling PICT image processing in web browsers and email clients, and implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious PICT file transfers. Additional protective measures include restricting user privileges, implementing application whitelisting policies, and conducting regular security assessments to identify potential exploitation vectors. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date system patches and highlights the ongoing risks associated with legacy software components that may contain undiscovered memory corruption flaws.