CVE-2010-1801 in Mac OS X Server
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in CoreGraphics in Apple Mac OS X 10.5.8 and 10.6.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted PDF file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1801 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the CoreGraphics framework of Apple Mac OS X versions 10.5.8 and 10.6.4. This flaw resides in the PDF processing capabilities of the operating system's graphics rendering subsystem, specifically affecting how the system handles malformed PDF content. The vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking when parsing PDF files, particularly those containing crafted malicious data structures that exceed allocated memory buffers. The heap-based nature of this overflow indicates that memory allocated on the heap for PDF processing operations can be overwritten beyond their intended boundaries, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate memory contents and execute arbitrary code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a user opens or previews a specially crafted PDF file that contains malformed data structures designed to trigger the buffer overflow condition. The CoreGraphics framework, which is responsible for rendering graphics and processing PDF documents in Mac OS X, fails to properly validate the size and structure of PDF elements before attempting to process them. This allows an attacker to construct a PDF file that, when processed by the system, causes memory corruption in the heap allocation used for PDF parsing operations. The vulnerability can be triggered through various PDF elements including but not limited to embedded fonts, images, or complex graphical objects that are parsed by the CoreGraphics subsystem.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-1801 extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially enable remote code execution, making it a severe security concern for Mac OS X users. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability can allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the affected application, typically resulting in complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects the broader attack surface of Mac OS X systems since PDF files can be delivered through various vectors including email attachments, web downloads, and malicious websites. Applications that utilize CoreGraphics for PDF processing, including Safari, Preview, and other document viewers, are all potentially vulnerable to this attack. The denial of service aspect of this vulnerability means that even successful exploitation without code execution can render systems unusable through application crashes and system instability.
Security mitigations for CVE-2010-1801 primarily focus on immediate system updates and user awareness practices. Apple addressed this vulnerability through security updates that included enhanced bounds checking and memory validation mechanisms within the CoreGraphics framework. Organizations should ensure that all Mac OS X systems are updated to versions containing the patched CoreGraphics implementation, specifically versions 10.6.5 and later for the 10.6.x series, and 10.5.9 for the 10.5.x series. Additionally, users should exercise caution when opening PDF files from untrusted sources and consider implementing sandboxing measures for PDF processing applications. Network administrators should consider implementing content filtering solutions that can detect and block potentially malicious PDF files before they reach end-user systems. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and represents a significant risk under the ATT&CK framework's initial access and execution phases, particularly through the use of malicious documents as attack vectors. Organizations should also implement proper incident response procedures to address potential exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive system monitoring to detect anomalous PDF processing activities that may indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability.