CVE-2006-1453 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Apple QuickTime before 7.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted QuickDraw PICT image format file containing malformed font information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-1453 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in Apple QuickTime software versions prior to 7.1. This security weakness resides within the handling of QuickDraw PICT image format files, specifically when processing malformed font information contained within these files. The flaw originates from insufficient input validation and bounds checking mechanisms within the QuickTime media processing engine, which fails to properly sanitize font data structures before attempting to store them in allocated memory buffers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fundamental design flaw in how QuickTime parses font information within PICT files. When a maliciously crafted PICT file containing oversized or malformed font records is processed, the application attempts to copy this data into a fixed-size stack buffer without adequate size verification. This improper memory management allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations, potentially corrupting the program's execution flow and enabling arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking permits data to be written beyond the allocated buffer boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly beyond simple local exploitation, as it enables remote code execution attacks through crafted media files delivered via email attachments, web downloads, or malicious websites. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary commands on vulnerable systems with the privileges of the user running QuickTime, typically resulting in complete system compromise. The attack vector is particularly concerning because PICT files were commonly used in email attachments and web content, making this vulnerability highly exploitable in real-world scenarios. This weakness aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 by enabling malicious code execution through compromised applications and T1059 through command execution capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-1453 require immediate system updates to Apple QuickTime 7.1 or later versions where the vulnerability has been patched. Organizations should implement comprehensive software patch management processes to ensure all systems receive security updates promptly. Network-based defenses can include content filtering solutions that scan for and block suspicious PICT files, while endpoint protection measures should monitor for unusual QuickTime process behavior. System administrators should also consider disabling QuickTime plugin support in web browsers and implementing least-privilege access controls to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and memory management in multimedia processing applications, particularly those handling untrusted user data from diverse file formats.