CVE-2010-0058 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
freshclam in ClamAV in Apple Mac OS X 10.5.8 with Security Update 2009-005 has an incorrect launchd.plist ProgramArguments key and consequently does not run, which might allow remote attackers to introduce viruses into the system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-0058 represents a critical configuration flaw in the ClamAV antivirus implementation within Apple Mac OS X 10.5.8 systems that were patched with Security Update 2009-005. This issue specifically affects the freshclam component, which serves as the automatic virus definition update mechanism for ClamAV. The flaw manifests in the incorrect configuration of the launchd.plist file, which is Apple's service management framework that controls how background processes are launched and maintained. When the ProgramArguments key within this configuration file is improperly set, it prevents the freshclam daemon from executing correctly, effectively disabling the automatic virus definition updates that are essential for maintaining system security.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from a malformed launchd.plist configuration file where the ProgramArguments key contains incorrect or incomplete command-line arguments necessary for freshclam to function properly. This misconfiguration prevents the system from properly launching the freshclam service, which is responsible for downloading updated virus signatures from ClamAV's distribution servers. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it creates a false sense of security for users who believe their systems are protected by automatic updates when in reality the antivirus system is not functioning. According to CWE-706, this represents a weakness where a product uses an incorrect or unexpected value in a context where it should be using a specific value, specifically in the area of software configuration management.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it leaves Mac OS X systems vulnerable to malware infections that could otherwise be prevented through timely virus definition updates. When freshclam fails to run, the system operates with outdated virus signatures, making it susceptible to newly discovered threats that the antivirus software would normally detect and block. This creates an exploitable condition where remote attackers can introduce malicious software into the system without the user's knowledge or protection. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which involves the initial compromise of systems through various attack vectors, as the disabled antivirus protection provides an opening for malware delivery and execution. Furthermore, this issue demonstrates poor software deployment practices where security-critical components are not properly configured to function in their intended operational environment.
The mitigation for this vulnerability requires system administrators to verify and correct the launchd.plist configuration file for freshclam, ensuring that the ProgramArguments key contains the proper command-line arguments necessary for the service to execute correctly. This typically involves reinstalling the ClamAV package or manually correcting the configuration file to include the appropriate parameters. Organizations should also implement monitoring procedures to verify that freshclam services are running properly and that virus definitions are being updated regularly. The fix should be applied immediately following the release of the security patch, and system administrators should validate that the service is functioning correctly through manual verification or automated monitoring systems. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper service configuration management and the critical nature of ensuring that security tools are properly deployed and operational in enterprise environments.