CVE-2009-2193

Buffer overflow in the kernel in Apple Mac OS X 10.5 before 10.5.8 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (system…

published August 6, 2009

CVSS
—
EPSS
9%
Percentile
95.4
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

🔍 A crafty AppleTalk packet is all it takes to exploit this buffer overflow in Mac OS X 10.5! 📦 Think of it like a delivery service that accepts any package without checking the contents — one rogue packet could crash the whole system like a delivery truck blocking the road! If an attacker sends a specially crafted AppleTalk response packet, they could execute arbitrary code or even crash the system, leading to unexpected downtime. This could result in frustrating disruptions or unauthorized access to sensitive data. Yikes!

Put simply

Think of it like a delivery service that accepts any package without checking the contents — one rogue packet could crash the whole system like a delivery truck blocking the road! This vulnerability stems from a buffer overflow in the Mac OS X kernel, specifically in the handling of AppleTalk packets, which allows for remote code execution or denial of service. Essentially, the system fails to validate the size of the incoming packet, leading to potential exploits.

What to do

If an attacker sends a specially crafted AppleTalk response packet, they could execute arbitrary code or even crash the system, leading to unexpected downtime. This could result in frustrating disruptions or unauthorized access to sensitive data. Yikes! To mitigate this vulnerability, users should ensure they update their Mac OS X to version 10.5.8 or later. It’s also wise to disable AppleTalk if it’s not in use, as an extra precaution. Regularly check for and apply security patches to stay ahead of potential threats. You've got this! Stay vigilant and keep your system updated for a safer experience! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.09454 · 95.4th percentile
Published
2009-08-06T16:00Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 06 AUG 16:00Z
    Buffer overflow in the kernel in Apple Mac OS X 10.5 before 10.5.8 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (system…
    cvelistv5