CVE-2011-0194 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in ImageIO in Apple Mac OS X 10.6 before 10.6.7 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted TIFF image with JPEG encoding.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0194 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within Apple's ImageIO framework that affected Mac OS X 10.6 versions prior to 10.6.7. This issue resides in the handling of TIFF images that utilize JPEG encoding, creating a pathway for remote attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code or induce denial of service conditions. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and boundary checking within the image processing pipeline, specifically when parsing malformed TIFF headers that contain oversized dimensions or count values.
The technical implementation of this flaw occurs during the processing of JPEG-encoded TIFF images where the ImageIO framework fails to properly validate integer values representing image dimensions or data sizes. When encountering crafted TIFF files with maliciously constructed integer values that exceed the maximum representable values for the underlying data types, the system experiences integer overflow conditions. This overflow can result in buffer overflows or other memory corruption issues that may be exploited to manipulate program execution flow, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through standard image processing operations, making it accessible via web browsers, email attachments, or any application that utilizes the ImageIO framework for image handling.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to macOS users and organizations relying on Apple's operating system. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it can be delivered through common internet channels such as web pages, email attachments, or file sharing platforms without requiring user interaction beyond normal image viewing operations. The potential for remote code execution means that attackers could gain full system control, while the denial of service component could be used for persistent disruption attacks. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond individual users to enterprise environments where macOS systems may be targeted through phishing campaigns or compromised web services that serve malicious images.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including applying Apple's security patches for Mac OS X 10.6.7 and later versions, as this vulnerability was addressed through proper input validation and integer overflow protection mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious image file patterns, while monitoring for unusual image processing activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, and represents a classic example of how image processing libraries can become attack surfaces when proper input validation is absent. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1203, Exploitation for Client Execution, and T1059, Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code through legitimate system components. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in multimedia processing frameworks and the need for comprehensive testing of boundary conditions in image format parsers.