CVE-2008-6252

smcFanControl 2.1.2 - Local Privilege Escalation via Long -k Option

Title source: llm
STIX 2.1

Exploitation Summary

EIP tracks 1 public exploit for CVE-2008-6252. PoCs published by xwings.

AI-analyzed exploit summary The exploit demonstrates a buffer overflow vulnerability in smcFanControl 2.1.2 for OSX, where the `-k` option in the `smc` binary fails to handle large input buffers, leading to a stack-based overflow. The PoC uses a Ruby command to generate a 45-byte 'A' string followed by 'BBBBCCCC' to trigger the overflow, resulting in a crash with control over EIP.

Description

Stack-based buffer overflow in the smc program in smcFanControl 2.1.2 allows local users to execute arbitrary code and gain privileges via a long -k option.

Exploits (1)

exploitdb WORKING POC VERIFIED
by xwings · textdososx
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/7088

The exploit demonstrates a buffer overflow vulnerability in smcFanControl 2.1.2 for OSX, where the `-k` option in the `smc` binary fails to handle large input buffers, leading to a stack-based overflow. The PoC uses a Ruby command to generate a 45-byte 'A' string followed by 'BBBBCCCC' to trigger the overflow, resulting in a crash with control over EIP.

Classification
Working Poc 90%
Attack Type
Lpe
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Reliable
Target: smcFanControl 2.1.2
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Local access to the target system · smcFanControl 2.1.2 installed with default permissions (SUID root)
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →

References (8)

Core 8
Core References
Exploit vdb-entry x_refsource_bid
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/32252
Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry vdb-entry x_refsource_xf
https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/46551
Exploit, Third Party Advisory exploit x_refsource_exploit-db
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/7088
Patch, Vendor Advisory vdb-entry x_refsource_vupen
http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2008/3126
Exploit x_refsource_misc
http://blog.xwings.net/?p=127
Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry vdb-entry x_refsource_osvdb
http://osvdb.org/49796
Patch x_refsource_confirm
http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/23049
Vendor Advisory third-party-advisory x_refsource_secunia
http://secunia.com/advisories/32679

Scores

EPSS 0.0131
EPSS Percentile 67.0%

Details

CWE
CWE-119
Status published
Products (1)
smcfancontrol/smcfancontrol 2.1.2
Published Feb 24, 2009
Tracked Since Feb 18, 2026