CVE-2011-0201 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Off-by-one error in the CoreFoundation framework in Apple Mac OS X before 10.6.8 allows context-dependent attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via a CFString object that triggers a buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/13/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0201 represents a critical off-by-one error within Apple's CoreFoundation framework, a fundamental component of Mac OS X operating systems. This flaw exists in versions prior to 10.6.8 and demonstrates how seemingly minor programming errors in system-level libraries can create significant security risks. The CoreFoundation framework serves as a cornerstone for macOS application development, providing essential data types and services that numerous system processes and applications depend upon. When a buffer overflow occurs due to improper boundary checking, it creates opportunities for malicious actors to manipulate memory contents and potentially gain unauthorized system access.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of CFString objects within the CoreFoundation library, where an off-by-one error occurs during string processing operations. This specific error condition arises when the framework fails to properly validate string boundaries, allowing an attacker to craft specially malformed CFString objects that can overflow allocated memory buffers. The flaw operates within the context-dependent attack model, meaning that successful exploitation requires specific conditions and circumstances that align with the application's execution environment. This characteristic makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through legitimate application usage patterns while remaining difficult to detect during normal operation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially enable arbitrary code execution, representing a severe escalation from basic denial of service conditions. When exploited successfully, attackers can leverage this buffer overflow to inject and execute malicious code within the target system's memory space, potentially gaining elevated privileges or completely compromising the affected system. The vulnerability affects the stability and security posture of macOS systems, as it can be triggered through various legitimate application interactions that process string data. System administrators and security professionals must understand that this flaw exists in the foundational framework components that support thousands of applications and system services, amplifying the potential attack surface significantly.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0201 primarily focus on applying the official security patches provided by Apple, specifically updating to Mac OS X 10.6.8 or later versions where the CoreFoundation framework has been corrected. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all affected systems. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of array indices, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059 for execution through application layer attacks. System monitoring should include detection of unusual memory allocation patterns and buffer overflow indicators, while security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify systems that may still be running vulnerable versions of the operating system. Additionally, implementing application sandboxing and privilege separation mechanisms can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, though the most effective defense remains the timely application of vendor-provided security updates.