CVE-2010-0505 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in ImageIO in Apple Mac OS X before 10.6.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted JP2 (JPEG2000) image, related to incorrect calculation and the CGImageReadGetBytesAtOffset function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-0505 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within Apple's ImageIO framework affecting Mac OS X versions prior to 10.6.3. This flaw resides in the handling of JP2 (JPEG2000) image files and demonstrates how image processing libraries can become attack vectors for remote code execution. The vulnerability specifically impacts the CGImageReadGetBytesAtOffset function which is responsible for reading image data from memory locations during the parsing process. The flaw arises from improper bounds checking and incorrect memory calculation when processing JPEG2000 image structures, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate heap memory layout through specially crafted image files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of memory allocation and data copying operations within the ImageIO framework. When a JPEG2000 image is processed, the system calculates buffer sizes based on image metadata without adequate validation of the values provided by the malicious image file. This calculation error leads to insufficient buffer allocation, causing subsequent memory writes to overflow into adjacent heap memory regions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Heap-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in heap memory allocations where insufficient bounds checking allows data to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through automated image processing operations, including web browsing, email attachment viewing, or any application that utilizes the ImageIO framework for image rendering.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes to enable full remote code execution capabilities for attackers. When exploited, the buffer overflow can corrupt heap metadata structures, leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected application. This makes the vulnerability particularly attractive for attackers seeking to compromise user systems through social engineering campaigns or automated exploitation. The vulnerability affects a broad range of applications that depend on the ImageIO framework, including Safari web browser, Preview application, and any third-party software utilizing Apple's image processing APIs. Attackers can craft malicious JP2 files that, when opened by an affected system, trigger the buffer overflow and potentially execute malicious code. The vulnerability also enables denial of service attacks where the overflow causes application crashes and system instability, making it useful for persistent disruption attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0505 primarily involve applying the official security patches provided by Apple through their software update mechanisms. System administrators should ensure immediate deployment of Mac OS X 10.6.3 or later versions which contain the necessary fixes for the heap overflow vulnerability. Additionally, network administrators should implement content filtering measures to prevent the automatic download or execution of JP2 image files from untrusted sources. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual image processing activities and potential exploitation attempts through sandboxed environments or virtualized browsing sessions. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in image processing libraries and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as exploitation can lead to command execution capabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of image processing applications to known good binaries, reducing the attack surface for such vulnerabilities.