CVE-2010-1376 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple format string vulnerabilities in Network Authorization in Apple Mac OS X 10.6 before 10.6.4 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via format string specifiers in a (1) afp, (2) cifs, or (3) smb URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-1376 represents a critical format string vulnerability affecting Apple Mac OS X 10.6 before version 10.6.4 within the Network Authorization component. This flaw exists in the handling of network protocol URLs including Apple Filing Protocol afp, Common Internet File System cifs, and Server Message Block smb protocols. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and processing of format specifiers within the network authorization subsystem, creating a pathway for malicious exploitation through crafted URL inputs.
Format string vulnerabilities occur when application code uses user-supplied data as format strings without proper sanitization, allowing attackers to manipulate memory layout and execution flow. In this specific case, the Network Authorization component fails to properly validate and sanitize format specifiers present in network URLs, enabling attackers to inject malicious format string sequences that can be processed by functions like printf or sprintf. This vulnerability falls under CWE-134 which specifically addresses the use of format strings with user-supplied data, making it a direct implementation of the well-known weakness in software security practices.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-1376 is severe and multifaceted, providing attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code remotely or cause denial of service conditions. When a victim accesses a maliciously crafted URL containing format string specifiers, the vulnerable code processes these specifiers directly without sanitization, potentially leading to stack smashing, memory corruption, or controlled code execution. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be initiated through simple URL access, making it accessible to attackers without requiring complex exploitation techniques or local system access. This vulnerability essentially allows remote code execution in the context of the affected application, potentially leading to full system compromise.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is broad, encompassing any network service or application that processes afp, cifs, or smb URLs through the affected Mac OS X version. This includes file sharing operations, network drive mounting, and any application that relies on the system's network authorization framework for protocol handling. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code through client-side application processing of network resources. The vulnerability also aligns with T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it affects network services that are accessible to remote attackers. The severity is compounded by the fact that these network protocols are commonly used in enterprise environments, making the attack surface particularly large.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1376 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to version 10.6.4 or later, as this update contains the necessary fixes for the format string vulnerabilities. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious network resources, particularly those involving file sharing protocols. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious URL patterns and protocol handling attempts that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict the execution of applications that might be vulnerable to similar format string issues, and conduct regular security assessments to identify other potential vulnerabilities in network protocol handling components. The fix typically involves proper input validation and sanitization of format specifiers in network URL processing code, ensuring that user-supplied data cannot be interpreted as format strings in vulnerable functions.