CVE-2010-1836 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in CoreGraphics in Apple Mac OS X 10.5.8 and 10.6.x before 10.6.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted PDF document.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/05/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1836 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the CoreGraphics framework of Apple Mac OS X operating systems. This flaw affects versions 10.5.8 and 10.6.x prior to 10.6.5, creating a significant security risk that could be exploited by remote attackers to gain unauthorized code execution privileges. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the affected system processes malformed PDF documents, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently encounter or open PDF files from untrusted sources. The CoreGraphics framework serves as a fundamental component for rendering graphics and processing vector-based content, making this vulnerability particularly impactful as it resides within a core system library that multiple applications depend upon for graphical operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the PDF parsing functionality of CoreGraphics. When a maliciously crafted PDF document is processed, the buffer overflow occurs during the stack allocation phase where insufficient validation occurs on input data lengths. This allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations with malicious code or data, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The flaw operates at the kernel level within the graphics processing subsystem, meaning that successful exploitation could provide attackers with elevated privileges and complete system compromise. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows that occur in stack memory regions. The vulnerability's exploitation pathway follows the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers could leverage the overflow to execute malicious payloads within the system context.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-1836 extends beyond simple application crashes to encompass complete system compromise and potential data exfiltration capabilities. Remote attackers could craft PDF documents that, when opened by an affected system, would trigger the buffer overflow and provide them with execution privileges. This creates a significant threat vector for phishing campaigns, malicious email attachments, and web-based attacks where users might inadvertently open compromised PDF files. The vulnerability's presence in CoreGraphics means that any application utilizing this framework for PDF rendering could be exploited, including web browsers, email clients, and document viewers. Organizations using affected versions of Mac OS X would face substantial risk as this vulnerability could be leveraged for persistent threats, lateral movement within networks, and establishment of backdoors on compromised systems. The impact is further amplified by the fact that many users do not regularly update their systems, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation for extended periods.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1836 require immediate system updates to Apple's security patches released for versions 10.6.5 and later, which address the buffer overflow in CoreGraphics. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management policies to ensure all Mac systems receive security updates promptly. Network administrators should consider implementing PDF content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms to prevent automatic execution of potentially malicious PDF files. Additionally, users should be trained to avoid opening PDF attachments from untrusted sources and to maintain awareness of social engineering tactics commonly used in phishing attacks. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and demonstrates how vulnerabilities in core system libraries can create widespread impact across multiple applications. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts and consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. Regular security assessments should include verification of system patch levels and configuration settings to ensure that all potential attack vectors are properly addressed.