CVE-2011-0205 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in ImageIO 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 a crafted JPEG2000 image.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/13/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0205 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within Apple's ImageIO framework affecting Mac OS X versions prior to 10.6.8. This flaw resides in the handling of JPEG2000 image files, a format that leverages advanced compression algorithms and complex data structures. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory management practices when processing malformed JPEG2000 image data, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate heap memory allocation and execution flow.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the ImageIO framework's failure to properly validate the bounds of memory allocations when parsing JPEG2000 image headers and data structures. When a maliciously crafted JPEG2000 image is processed, the framework attempts to allocate heap memory based on parsed metadata values that have been deliberately manipulated to exceed expected boundaries. This results in memory corruption that can be exploited to overwrite adjacent heap blocks, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-122, which specifically addresses heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with heap corruption vulnerabilities that enable privilege escalation and code execution.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to Mac OS X users as it can be exploited through remote delivery mechanisms such as web browsing, email attachments, or file sharing networks. Attackers can craft malicious JPEG2000 files that, when opened by applications utilizing ImageIO (including Safari, Preview, and other image viewing applications), trigger the buffer overflow condition. The impact extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially full system compromise, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. This vulnerability particularly affects systems running Mac OS X versions earlier than 10.6.8, making it a critical target for threat actors seeking to exploit legacy systems.
The exploitation of this vulnerability typically follows the ATT&CK framework pattern for code execution through input validation flaws, specifically targeting the 'Exploitation for Client Execution' technique. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including deployment of Apple's security patches for Mac OS X 10.6.8 and subsequent versions, along with network-based filtering of suspicious image file types. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted image files and enable automatic updates to ensure systems remain protected against similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, user education regarding safe browsing practices and the importance of keeping operating systems updated remains crucial in defending against this and related exploitation vectors.