CVE-2005-3709 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
Integer underflow in Apple Quicktime before 7.0.4 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via the Color Map Entry Size in a TGA image file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3709 represents a critical integer underflow condition within Apple QuickTime media processing software versions prior to 7.0.4. This flaw specifically affects the handling of TGA image files during the parsing of Color Map Entry Size parameters, creating a scenario where malformed input can trigger unexpected behavior in the application's memory management systems. The vulnerability resides in the core image parsing functionality that processes TGA format files, which are commonly used for storing raster graphics and are supported by QuickTime for multimedia applications. The integer underflow occurs when the application attempts to calculate memory allocation based on a malformed Color Map Entry Size value that, when processed mathematically, results in a negative integer value that is then used to determine buffer allocation sizes. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow and underflow conditions, and represents a classic example of improper integer handling that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through remote attack vectors, allowing malicious actors to craft specially crafted TGA files that, when opened by an affected QuickTime version, can trigger the exploitable condition. When the Color Map Entry Size parameter in a TGA file is manipulated to cause an integer underflow, the resulting negative value can lead to insufficient memory allocation or buffer overflows when the application attempts to process the image data, ultimately causing the application to crash or potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running QuickTime. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploitation of software vulnerabilities for remote code execution, and T1059, which covers command and control through application execution. The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service as it can potentially enable remote code execution, making it a significant concern for users who might encounter malicious TGA files through email attachments, web downloads, or other untrusted sources. The flaw demonstrates how seemingly benign image processing functionality can become a vector for sophisticated attacks when proper input validation and integer boundary checking are not implemented. The vulnerability affects all versions of Apple QuickTime before 7.0.4 and can be exploited by remote attackers who craft malicious TGA files with manipulated Color Map Entry Size values that trigger the integer underflow condition. The exploitation process requires precise manipulation of the TGA file format to ensure that the underflow condition occurs during the parsing phase, which then leads to memory corruption and potential code execution. Organizations and individuals using affected versions of QuickTime should immediately apply the security patches released by Apple to prevent potential exploitation of this vulnerability. The remediation process involves updating to QuickTime 7.0.4 or later versions, which include proper integer boundary checks and input validation mechanisms that prevent the underflow condition from occurring. This vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation in multimedia processing libraries and demonstrates how integer arithmetic errors can create security risks that extend far beyond simple application stability issues. The flaw also highlights the need for robust memory management practices in applications that process untrusted media files, as the consequences of integer underflows in such contexts can be severe and potentially lead to complete system compromise. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability represents a classic example of how legacy code without proper boundary checking can become exploitable when faced with carefully crafted malicious input, emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software and implementing proper code review practices to prevent similar issues in the future. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution risk means that users can be compromised without any direct interaction beyond opening a malicious file, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may encounter such files through various attack vectors including email, web browsing, and file sharing systems.