CVE-2011-0200 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in ColorSync in Apple Mac OS X before 10.6.8 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via an image containing a crafted embedded ColorSync profile that triggers a heap-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/13/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0200 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within Apple's ColorSync framework, which is a core component of Mac OS X operating systems. This issue affects versions prior to 10.6.8 and demonstrates how seemingly innocuous image processing components can be exploited to achieve remote code execution or system instability. ColorSync serves as the color management system that handles color profiles for display devices and printing, making it an essential but potentially dangerous element when improperly validated. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the system processes images containing crafted embedded ColorSync profiles, which are typically used to ensure consistent color representation across different devices and applications.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the ColorSync framework's handling of profile data structures. When processing an image with a maliciously crafted ColorSync profile, the system performs arithmetic operations that result in integer overflow conditions. This overflow subsequently leads to heap-based buffer overflows during memory allocation and data copying operations. The flaw occurs because the application fails to properly validate the size parameters of embedded profile data before attempting to allocate memory buffers. According to CWE-190, this represents a classic integer overflow vulnerability where the result of an arithmetic operation exceeds the maximum value that can be represented by the data type, creating exploitable conditions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it can be triggered through standard image processing workflows, making it accessible to attackers who merely need to convince victims to open maliciously crafted images.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0200 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass full remote code execution capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application, typically resulting in system compromise. The heap-based buffer overflow creates opportunities for memory corruption that can be manipulated to redirect program execution flow, potentially allowing attackers to inject and execute malicious payloads. This vulnerability affects the broader Mac OS X ecosystem as ColorSync is integrated into various system components and applications, including image viewers, web browsers, and document processing software. The attack vector requires minimal user interaction, as simply opening an infected image file can trigger the exploit, making it particularly dangerous in phishing scenarios or when users download images from untrusted sources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0200 focus primarily on immediate system updates and security hardening measures. Apple addressed this vulnerability through the release of Mac OS X 10.6.8, which includes patches that properly validate ColorSync profile data and prevent the integer overflow conditions that lead to buffer overflows. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of this security update across all affected systems, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted image content. Additional protective measures include implementing application sandboxing for image processing applications, enabling automatic security updates, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments of image handling components. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving code injection and privilege escalation, specifically targeting the execution and persistence phases of an attack lifecycle. Network administrators should also consider implementing content filtering solutions that can detect and block potentially malicious image files, particularly those with embedded ColorSync profiles, as a defensive measure against exploitation attempts.