CVE-2009-2824 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in Apple Type Services (ATS) in Apple Mac OS X 10.5.8 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted embedded font in a document.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2025
Apple Type Services represents a critical component within macOS that handles font rendering and typography operations across the operating system. This vulnerability exists within the font processing subsystem where ATS fails to properly validate font data when embedded within documents. The buffer overflow conditions occur when the system attempts to parse maliciously crafted font files that exceed predetermined memory boundaries during the rendering process. Attackers can exploit this weakness by embedding specially constructed font data within documents such as pdfs or word processing files that are then opened on vulnerable systems.
The technical flaw manifests as multiple distinct buffer overflow vulnerabilities within the ATS font handling code paths. These overflows occur during the parsing of font tables and metadata within embedded font resources, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability affects Apple Mac OS X 10.5.8 specifically, representing a critical security gap in the operating system's font processing capabilities. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it operates at the system level where font rendering occurs automatically during document processing, making exploitation possible through simple document opening without user interaction.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to gain arbitrary code execution privileges on affected systems. This remote code execution capability enables adversaries to install malware, modify system files, or establish persistent access to compromised machines. The vulnerability's remote nature means attackers can exploit it without physical access to target systems, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently open documents from untrusted sources. The attack surface is broad since many document formats support embedded fonts, creating numerous potential entry points for exploitation.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 and CWE-122 categories related to stack and heap-based buffer overflows. The attack pattern follows typical remote code execution vectors described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059 technique for command and script interpreter. The vulnerability demonstrates how font processing components can serve as attack vectors in modern operating systems, highlighting the importance of input validation in all system components. Organizations should immediately implement patches from Apple to address this vulnerability and consider network segmentation to limit exposure. Additionally, users should exercise caution when opening documents from unknown sources and maintain updated security software to detect potential exploitation attempts.