CVE-2006-1461 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in Apple QuickTime before 7.1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted QuickTime Flash (SWF) file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-1461 represents a critical security flaw in Apple QuickTime media player versions prior to 7.1, specifically affecting the handling of Shockwave Flash (SWF) files within the QuickTime framework. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices within the media processing components that handle Flash content integration. The vulnerability manifests as multiple buffer overflow conditions that occur when the QuickTime player attempts to parse and render maliciously crafted SWF files, creating opportunities for remote code execution without user interaction. These buffer overflows occur in the memory allocation routines responsible for processing Flash media objects, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious payload data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of improper memory handling during SWF file processing, which falls under the CWE-121 buffer overflow category and more specifically aligns with CWE-787 out-of-bounds write conditions. The flaw exists in the QuickTime player's Flash plugin handler, where the application fails to properly validate the size and structure of incoming SWF data before attempting to load it into fixed-size memory buffers. Attackers can craft SWF files with maliciously sized data structures that cause the buffer to overflow, potentially allowing arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the QuickTime player. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely through web-based delivery mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise and consumer environments where QuickTime is widely deployed.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-1461 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it represents a significant threat vector for privilege escalation and persistent system compromise. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute malicious code with the same privileges as the QuickTime process, which typically runs with user-level permissions but can potentially be leveraged for further attacks. This vulnerability directly maps to the ATT&CK technique T1059 command and script interpreter, as the execution of arbitrary code enables attackers to deploy additional malware or establish backdoors. The widespread adoption of QuickTime across various operating systems including macOS and Windows made this vulnerability particularly dangerous, as it could be exploited across multiple platforms through web browsers or email attachments containing malicious SWF content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-1461 primarily focus on immediate patching and operational security measures to prevent exploitation. The most effective remediation involves upgrading to Apple QuickTime version 7.1 or later, which includes proper bounds checking and memory management fixes for SWF file processing. Organizations should implement network-based controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems to block SWF file downloads and execution from untrusted sources. Security teams should also consider disabling QuickTime Flash plugin functionality in web browsers and implementing strict email filtering policies to prevent delivery of potentially malicious SWF attachments. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for suspicious network traffic patterns and implement intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security updates and proper input validation practices in multimedia processing frameworks, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines for preventing buffer overflow vulnerabilities in application code.