Security Consultant Demonstrates Mac OS X Vulnerability to Hack

Independent security consultant, Dino Dai Zovi, demonstrated at a conference in the US on March 11, 2009 how a computer running Apple's Mac OS X is vulnerable to hacks and execution of arbitrary codes that enable its full compromise, as reported by SearchSecurity on March 13, 2009.

Describing Mac OS X as very easy operating software to infiltrate, Dai Zovi said that hackers with a malware strain could effortlessly set up a TCP connection to download more malware.

Besides, various vulnerabilities have been identified in the application as well as system components with which an attacker could modify the operating software's heap memory contents. However, Apple has fixed a few of the vulnerabilities, but it is certain that some flaws are still un-patched with more yet to emerge, says the researcher.

Furthermore, Dai Zovi also revealed the methods with which attackers could exploit the vulnerabilities in Mac OS X. He stated that a lot of attack codes require an attacker to track down the data stored in the memory of a computer.

In this connection, Dai Zovi discloses that it is easy to invade OS X than Linux or Vista because of the application of the randomization technique. While Linux and Vista employ this technique on the whole database that creates difficulties in tracing data in the computer's memory, OS X employs it on partial data, leaving the remaining, easy to find.

Mr. Dai Zovi further commented that there are very few in built defenses against memory corruption in the OS X operating software.

However, security researchers state that for many years, Mac users have been safe from hackers' attack, as the attacks were primarily targeted at Microsoft Windows to steal confidential data from the massive users of the OS.

Furthermore, Apple supporters often appreciate the security of Mac OS X, and they hardly scan their computers with antivirus software; increasing the chances of attack. Apple's rising share in the operating system market is increasingly drawing the attention of hackers. Till date, experts compute, 9.6% of Web browsers are used on Mac OS X.

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