CVE-2015-1139 in MacOS X
Summary
by MITRE
ImageIO in Apple OS X before 10.10.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted .sgi file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1139 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Apple's ImageIO framework affecting macOS versions prior to 10.10.3. This vulnerability resides in the handling of .sgi image files, which are based on the Silicon Graphics Image format commonly used for high-quality graphics in professional imaging applications. The flaw manifests when the system attempts to process malformed or specially crafted .sgi files, leading to unpredictable behavior that can be exploited by remote attackers to gain arbitrary code execution privileges or induce system crashes through denial of service conditions.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory management within the ImageIO component's parser for .sgi file formats. When processing maliciously constructed .sgi files, the parser fails to properly validate array indices and buffer boundaries, creating opportunities for heap-based buffer overflows or other memory corruption conditions. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with improper input validation patterns that are frequently exploited in image processing libraries where complex file format parsers must handle diverse and potentially malicious inputs.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to macOS systems as .sgi files can be embedded in various contexts including web content, email attachments, and file sharing platforms. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious .sgi files that, when opened by an affected system, trigger memory corruption leading to arbitrary code execution. The impact extends beyond simple denial of service as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute privileged operations, escalate privileges, or establish persistent access to vulnerable systems. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that simply viewing or processing a malicious .sgi file can trigger the attack vector without requiring user interaction beyond the initial file opening.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability operates within the ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique category, which encompasses command and scripting interpreter execution, particularly when attackers leverage memory corruption exploits to gain system-level control. The affected ImageIO framework typically processes images through multiple system components including web browsers, image viewers, and document processing applications, amplifying the potential attack surface. Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of Apple's security patches for macOS 10.10.3 and subsequent releases, implementation of network-based file filtering to block .sgi file types where possible, and deployment of endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting suspicious file processing activities. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of image processing applications with known vulnerabilities, particularly in environments where untrusted image content may be encountered. Additionally, regular security assessments should verify that all system components are updated to prevent exploitation of similar memory corruption vulnerabilities that may exist in other image processing libraries or frameworks.