CVE-2011-3457 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
The OpenGL implementation in Apple Mac OS X before 10.7.3 does not properly perform OpenGL Shading Language (aka GLSL) compilation, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption and application crash) via a crafted program.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3457 represents a critical security flaw in the OpenGL implementation of Apple Mac OS X operating systems prior to version 10.7.3. This issue specifically targets the OpenGL Shading Language (GLSL) compilation process, which serves as a crucial component for graphics rendering in macOS applications. The flaw arises from insufficient validation and sanitization of GLSL code during the compilation phase, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through carefully crafted graphics programs.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of shader compilation within the OpenGL framework, which falls under the CWE-119 category of "Improper Access to Memory" and specifically relates to memory corruption issues during code execution. When malicious GLSL code is processed by the vulnerable OpenGL implementation, it can trigger buffer overflows, memory corruption, or other memory management errors that lead to unpredictable behavior. The vulnerability manifests when applications attempt to compile or execute specially crafted GLSL shaders that exploit the inadequate input validation mechanisms within the graphics subsystem.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass full arbitrary code execution capabilities. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected application, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The memory corruption effects can cause applications to crash unexpectedly, while the underlying memory manipulation capabilities allow for more sophisticated attacks including privilege escalation and persistent system compromise. This vulnerability affects the core graphics rendering capabilities of macOS, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through legitimate graphics applications and web content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3457 primarily focus on immediate system updates and patch management, with Apple releasing macOS 10.7.3 to address the specific GLSL compilation flaws. Organizations should implement comprehensive patching schedules and ensure all macOS systems are updated to versions that contain the necessary security fixes. Additional defensive measures include network segmentation to limit exposure, application whitelisting to prevent execution of untrusted graphics code, and monitoring for unusual graphics processing activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in graphics APIs and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through graphics rendering APIs, highlighting the need for robust security controls in multimedia processing components. System administrators should also consider implementing security monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior in graphics processing subsystems and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing graphics-related security incidents.