CVE-2005-2743 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
The Java extensions for QuickTime 6.52 and earlier in Apple Mac OS X 10.3.9 allow untrusted applets to call arbitrary functions in system libraries, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/10/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-2743 represents a critical security flaw in the Java runtime environment integration within QuickTime 6.52 and earlier versions on Apple Mac OS X 10.3.9 systems. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and security boundaries within the Java extensions component that processes QuickTime content. The flaw allows untrusted Java applets to bypass normal security restrictions and directly invoke system library functions, creating an unauthorized code execution pathway that can be exploited by remote attackers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a lack of proper sandboxing mechanisms within the Java extensions framework. When QuickTime processes Java applets, the system fails to properly isolate the applet execution environment from the underlying operating system resources. This design flaw enables malicious applets to access system libraries and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the QuickTime application. The vulnerability specifically affects the Java runtime environment's interaction with QuickTime's extension architecture, where trusted code paths are not properly enforced.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete control over affected systems. Remote exploitation allows adversaries to execute malicious code without requiring local system access, making this particularly dangerous in networked environments. The vulnerability affects all users who have QuickTime 6.52 or earlier installed on Mac OS X 10.3.9 systems, creating a widespread attack surface. This flaw can be leveraged to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors on compromised systems.
Security researchers have classified this vulnerability under CWE-787: "Out-of-bounds Write" and related to improper input validation in Java applet execution contexts. The attack pattern aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059.007: "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1068: "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" categories, as the vulnerability enables remote code execution through legitimate system interfaces. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling Java applet execution in QuickTime, updating to patched versions of QuickTime 7.0 or later, and implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper sandboxing and privilege separation in multimedia frameworks and highlights the risks associated with legacy software components that lack modern security controls.