CVE-2009-1640 in Kernel Recovery
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Nucleus Data Recovery Kernel Recovery for Macintosh 4.04 allows user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted .AMHH file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1640 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the Nucleus Data Recovery Kernel Recovery for Macintosh version 4.04 software. This flaw exists in the handling of specially crafted .AMHH files which are used for data recovery operations on macintosh systems. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes these malformed files without proper input validation, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors. The buffer overflow occurs in the kernel recovery module where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue where data written to a buffer exceeds the allocated stack space. The attack vector requires user-assisted exploitation, meaning an attacker must convince a victim to open a maliciously crafted .AMHH file, typically through social engineering or phishing techniques. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level within the recovery software, which typically runs with elevated privileges on macintosh systems. This privilege escalation potential significantly amplifies the impact of the exploit, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute code with system-level privileges rather than user-level access.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-1640 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. When exploited successfully, attackers can gain unauthorized access to sensitive information stored on the target system, potentially leading to corporate espionage, financial fraud, or identity theft. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on data recovery solutions for critical operations, particularly those in sectors where data integrity and security are paramount such as healthcare, finance, and government agencies. Recovery software typically handles sensitive data and operates with high privileges, making this vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors seeking persistent access to target systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate software updates and patches provided by the vendor, as well as network-based protections to prevent the delivery of malicious .AMHH files. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies and employ sandboxing techniques when processing potentially malicious files. Security controls should include network segmentation to limit the potential spread of exploitation and enhanced monitoring of system calls related to file processing and memory management. The remediation process must include thorough testing of patches to ensure they do not introduce regressions in the data recovery functionality while maintaining the integrity of the system's recovery capabilities. Additionally, security awareness training should be implemented to educate users about the risks of opening untrusted files, as the user-assisted nature of the attack requires social engineering elements that can be mitigated through proper user education and organizational policies. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, demonstrating how a seemingly benign data recovery tool can become a vector for sophisticated attacks.