CVE-2010-0507 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Image RAW 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 PEF image.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0507 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Apple Mac OS X's Image RAW component, specifically affecting systems running versions prior to 10.6.3. This issue resides in the processing of PEF (PowerPC EMBEDDED FORMAT) image files, which are commonly used in legacy Macintosh systems and certain embedded applications. The flaw stems from inadequate bounds checking during the parsing of malformed PEF image structures, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory regions beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, where insufficient input validation allows malicious data to corrupt program execution flow and potentially execute arbitrary code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a maliciously crafted PEF image file is processed by the affected Image RAW component. The buffer overflow manifests during image parsing operations where the application fails to properly validate the size and structure of the PEF header fields. Attackers can manipulate the image metadata to cause the application to allocate insufficient buffer space for processing, subsequently leading to memory corruption when the oversized data is written to the allocated buffer. This memory corruption can overwrite critical program variables, return addresses, or function pointers, enabling remote code execution or causing application crashes that result in denial of service conditions. The vulnerability operates at the application level and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users might encounter malicious image files through email attachments, web downloads, or network shares.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-0507 extends beyond simple application instability, as it provides attackers with a potential pathway for system compromise. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application, typically resulting in full system compromise or privilege escalation. The denial of service aspect of this vulnerability can be leveraged for persistent disruption of services, particularly in environments where image processing is critical for business operations. Organizations running affected Mac OS X versions face significant risk exposure, as the vulnerability can be triggered through various attack vectors including web-based exploitation, email attachments, or file sharing networks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to establish persistent access through code execution capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0507 primarily focus on immediate system updates and operational hardening measures. The most effective remediation involves upgrading affected Mac OS X systems to version 10.6.3 or later, where Apple has implemented proper bounds checking and input validation for PEF image processing. System administrators should also implement defensive measures including restricting user access to image processing applications, implementing network-based filtering to block suspicious image file types, and deploying application whitelisting solutions to prevent execution of untrusted image files. Additional protective measures include regular security scanning for vulnerable applications, monitoring network traffic for potential exploitation attempts, and maintaining comprehensive backup and recovery procedures to address potential system compromise. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for image processing applications and establishing incident response procedures specifically designed to handle buffer overflow exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of regular security updates and proper input validation in preventing remote code execution vulnerabilities.