CVE-2005-3708 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in Apple Quicktime before 7.0.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted TGA image files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3708 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within Apple QuickTime media player software versions prior to 7.0.4. This vulnerability specifically affects the handling of TGA (Truevision TGA) image files, which are commonly used in multimedia applications and digital imaging. The integer overflow occurs during the parsing of TGA file headers where the application fails to properly validate integer values, leading to potential memory corruption that can be exploited by malicious actors. The flaw exists in the software's memory management routines that process image dimensions and data structures within TGA files, creating a scenario where attacker-controlled data can cause arithmetic overflow conditions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the integer overflow to manipulate memory allocation routines within the QuickTime framework. When processing a malformed TGA image file, the application performs calculations on image dimensions that exceed the maximum value that can be represented by the integer data type, causing the overflow to wrap around and result in unexpected memory behavior. This memory corruption can be manipulated to overwrite critical program variables, function pointers, or return addresses within the application's execution stack. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote code execution without requiring any user interaction beyond opening the malicious file, making it an ideal candidate for drive-by download attacks and automated exploitation campaigns.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to users of older QuickTime versions who may encounter malicious TGA files through various attack vectors including email attachments, compromised websites, or peer-to-peer file sharing networks. The impact extends beyond individual user systems as the vulnerability can be exploited in network-based attacks where attackers can remotely compromise systems by hosting malicious TGA files on web servers. Security researchers have classified this vulnerability as having high severity due to its remote exploitability and the potential for arbitrary code execution, which aligns with CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, a well-documented weakness in software security that affects numerous applications across different platforms. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1203, Exploitation for Client Execution, which describes how adversaries leverage vulnerabilities in software applications to execute malicious code on target systems.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2005-3708 primarily involves updating to Apple QuickTime version 7.0.4 or later, which includes patches that properly validate integer values during TGA file processing. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all systems running QuickTime are updated promptly, particularly in enterprise environments where multiple users may be exposed to various threat vectors. Additional protective measures include implementing network-based security controls such as content filtering and web proxies that can detect and block malicious TGA files before they reach end-user systems. Security professionals should also consider disabling QuickTime plugins in web browsers where possible, as this reduces the attack surface for remote exploitation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and integer handling in multimedia processing libraries, which is a fundamental principle of secure coding practices that should be enforced across all software development lifecycles to prevent similar issues from occurring in future applications.