CVE-2010-0519 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in QuickTime 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 FlashPix image with a malformed SubImage Header Stream containing a NumberOfTiles field with a large value.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0519 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within Apple's QuickTime multimedia framework affecting Mac OS X versions prior to 10.6.3. This issue stems from insufficient input validation when processing FlashPix image files, specifically within the SubImage Header Stream structure where the NumberOfTiles field is improperly handled. The flaw manifests when a maliciously crafted FlashPix image is processed by QuickTime, triggering a scenario where the application fails to properly validate the size parameter contained within the NumberOfTiles field, leading to potential exploitation opportunities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of the FlashPix image format's internal structure to create a malformed SubImage Header Stream that contains an excessively large value in the NumberOfTiles field. When QuickTime attempts to parse this field and allocate memory or process the indicated number of tiles, the integer overflow occurs due to the application's failure to perform proper bounds checking on the value. This overflow can result in unpredictable memory corruption, where the application's memory management becomes compromised, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate the execution flow or cause memory allocation failures that lead to application crashes.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to Mac OS X users as it enables remote code execution capabilities when users open maliciously crafted FlashPix images. The exploitability of this flaw means that attackers can potentially deliver malicious content through various vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or compromised websites, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently encounter such content. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially full system compromise, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the affected QuickTime application.
The underlying weakness aligns with CWE-190, which categorizes integer overflow vulnerabilities, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1203, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to execute code. This vulnerability specifically targets the input validation mechanisms within QuickTime's image processing pipeline, where the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing. The flaw's exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond opening the malicious file, making it particularly effective as a delivery mechanism for more sophisticated attacks. Organizations should consider implementing network-based restrictions on FlashPix file types, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted content, and ensure timely deployment of Apple's security patches that address this specific integer overflow condition.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability involves immediate application of Apple's security update for Mac OS X 10.6.3 or later versions, which includes proper bounds checking for the NumberOfTiles field and enhanced input validation mechanisms within QuickTime's FlashPix image processing routines. System administrators should also implement proactive monitoring for suspicious file types and consider deploying endpoint protection solutions that can detect and block potentially malicious FlashPix content before it reaches user systems. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of opening untrusted files and the importance of keeping operating systems updated remains crucial in mitigating the broader attack surface associated with this type of vulnerability.