CVE-2010-0497 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Disk Images in Apple Mac OS X before 10.6.3 does not provide the expected warning for an unsafe file type in an internet enabled disk image, which makes it easier for user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a package file type.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-0497 represents a critical security flaw in Apple Mac OS X operating systems prior to version 10.6.3, specifically affecting the handling of disk images downloaded from internet sources. This issue stems from the operating system's failure to properly warn users about potentially dangerous file types contained within internet-enabled disk images, creating a significant attack vector for remote adversaries. The vulnerability operates under the weakness category of insufficient warning mechanisms for unsafe file operations, which aligns with CWE-1109, a classification that addresses inadequate user warnings during file processing operations. The flaw essentially allows attackers to craft malicious disk images that appear benign to users while containing executable code that can be automatically executed without proper user awareness or consent.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the trust relationship between the operating system and disk image handling mechanisms. When users download and open disk images from internet sources, Mac OS X should display explicit warnings about potentially unsafe file types such as package files that could contain executable code. However, the vulnerability allows attackers to bypass these warning mechanisms, enabling automatic execution of malicious payloads contained within package files. This occurs because the system's security model fails to properly validate or warn about the presence of dangerous file types within disk images, particularly those that are designed to be automatically executed when mounted. The attack requires user interaction through the act of opening the disk image, but the lack of proper warnings significantly reduces the user's ability to make informed security decisions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a sophisticated method for delivering malware to targeted systems. Remote attackers can create malicious disk images containing package files that automatically execute when the image is mounted, bypassing traditional security controls that rely on user awareness and explicit consent. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where users frequently download software from internet sources, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or deploy malware across multiple systems. The security implications are compounded by the fact that users may not realize they have executed malicious code until after the system has been compromised, allowing attackers to maintain access and potentially escalate privileges. This type of vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as the executed code can leverage various system interfaces to achieve further exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0497 primarily focus on updating to Apple Mac OS X version 10.6.3 or later, which includes the necessary security patches that properly implement warning mechanisms for unsafe file types in internet-enabled disk images. System administrators should also implement additional security measures such as network-based content filtering to prevent users from accessing potentially malicious disk images, and establish user education programs that emphasize the importance of verifying file sources before opening disk images. Organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of unknown or untrusted package files, and regularly audit system configurations to ensure that automatic mounting of disk images is properly configured with appropriate security warnings. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining current operating system versions and security patches, as it demonstrates how seemingly minor security flaws can provide significant attack vectors for remote code execution. Additionally, network administrators should monitor for unusual disk image access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts, and consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms that limit the execution scope of potentially malicious code within disk images.