CVE-2014-1370 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
The byte-swapping implementation in copyfile in Apple OS X before 10.9.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds memory access and application crash) via a crafted AppleDouble file in a ZIP archive.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1370 resides within the copyfile functionality of Apple OS X operating systems prior to version 10.9.4, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote code execution and denial of service attacks. This issue specifically targets the byte-swapping implementation used when processing AppleDouble files contained within ZIP archives, demonstrating how seemingly benign file handling operations can become vectors for sophisticated cyber attacks. The vulnerability operates through a complex interaction between archive extraction and file format interpretation, where maliciously crafted AppleDouble files exploit memory management flaws in the system's copyfile implementation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the system attempts to process a crafted AppleDouble file embedded within a ZIP archive, triggering an out-of-bounds memory access condition during the byte-swapping operation. This flaw stems from inadequate input validation and memory boundary checking within the copyfile utility, which is part of the core operating system functionality responsible for copying files and handling various file formats. The byte-swapping mechanism, designed to handle different endianness formats between systems, becomes a critical point of failure when confronted with malformed data structures that exceed allocated memory boundaries. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds writes, both of which are fundamental memory safety issues that have plagued software systems for decades.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-1370 extends far beyond simple system crashes, as it provides attackers with a pathway for arbitrary code execution on affected systems. When a user encounters or opens a malicious ZIP archive containing the crafted AppleDouble file, the system's automatic file processing capabilities trigger the vulnerable code path, potentially allowing remote attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected user. This presents a significant threat to enterprise environments where users may unknowingly download or open compromised files from untrusted sources, including email attachments, file sharing platforms, or web downloads. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not require physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where automated file processing is common.
From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK methodology, particularly those involving initial access through malicious files and privilege escalation through code execution. The attack chain typically begins with the delivery of a malicious ZIP archive through social engineering or automated exploitation of web applications, followed by automatic system processing that triggers the vulnerable copyfile function. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in complete system compromise, as the arbitrary code execution capability allows attackers to install backdoors, exfiltrate data, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and memory safety practices in system-level components, particularly those that handle user-supplied data without proper sanitization.
Organizations affected by CVE-2014-1370 should prioritize immediate patching of all affected Apple OS X systems to version 10.9.4 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to address the byte-swapping implementation flaws. Additional mitigations include implementing strict file validation policies that prevent automatic processing of ZIP archives from untrusted sources, disabling automatic file extraction features in web browsers and email clients, and monitoring system logs for unusual file processing activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to block malicious ZIP archives before they reach end-user systems. The vulnerability highlights the critical need for regular security updates and the importance of maintaining comprehensive patch management programs to protect against known vulnerabilities that remain active in older software versions.