CVE-2005-3711 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in Apple Quicktime before 7.0.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a TIFF image file with modified (1) "strips" (StripByteCounts) or (2) "bands" (StripOffsets) values.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-3711 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within Apple QuickTime multimedia framework versions prior to 7.0.4. This vulnerability specifically targets the handling of TIFF image files, which are commonly used for storing high-quality raster graphics and are supported by QuickTime for media playback. The flaw occurs when QuickTime processes TIFF files that contain maliciously modified metadata fields, particularly the StripByteCounts and StripOffsets parameters that define how image data is organized within the file structure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the improper validation of integer values during TIFF file parsing operations. When QuickTime encounters a TIFF file with modified strips or bands values, the software performs calculations that exceed the maximum representable value for signed integers, causing an integer overflow condition. This overflow results in unpredictable memory behavior where the application may allocate insufficient buffer space or incorrectly calculate memory addresses. The overflow condition specifically affects the StripByteCounts field which indicates the size of each strip in the image, and the StripOffsets field which specifies the starting position of each strip within the file. These parameters are crucial for proper image decompression and memory allocation within the QuickTime media processing pipeline.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote code execution attacks through crafted TIFF files delivered via web pages, email attachments, or file sharing systems. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by creating specially formatted TIFF files that, when opened by an unpatched QuickTime player, trigger the integer overflow condition and subsequently execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the application. This creates a significant risk for enterprise environments where QuickTime is widely deployed for media playback, as users may inadvertently open malicious files from untrusted sources. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through web browsers that have QuickTime integrated, making it a vector for drive-by attacks that require no user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website.
The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-190, which describes integer overflow conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation of software vulnerabilities for remote code execution. The attack surface is broad as QuickTime was widely installed on both desktop and mobile platforms, making the exploitation potential significant across multiple operating systems including macOS and Windows. Organizations should implement immediate patch management procedures to update to QuickTime 7.0.4 or later versions, which contain the necessary fixes for integer overflow protection. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing content filtering measures to block TIFF files from untrusted sources and disable automatic QuickTime playback in web browsers. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and integer handling in multimedia processing libraries, emphasizing the need for robust security testing of file format parsers and the implementation of defensive programming practices such as bounds checking and overflow detection mechanisms.