CVE-2006-1462 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple integer overflows in Apple QuickTime before 7.1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted QuickTime H.264 (M4V) video format file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-1462 represents a critical security flaw in Apple QuickTime media player software prior to version 7.1. This issue stems from multiple integer overflow conditions that occur during the processing of H.264 encoded video files with the M4V extension. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code on affected systems simply by enticing users to open a specially crafted malicious video file. Integer overflows are particularly dangerous in media processing applications because they can lead to memory corruption and subsequent code execution. The flaw specifically affects the way QuickTime handles certain parameters within the H.264 video format, where improper input validation leads to calculations that exceed the maximum representable value for integer data types, creating exploitable conditions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of video frame dimensions, buffer sizes, or other numerical parameters within the M4V file structure. When QuickTime attempts to parse these malformed values, the integer overflow conditions cause unexpected behavior in memory allocation and data handling routines. This can result in buffer overflows where attacker-controlled data is written beyond the bounds of allocated memory regions, potentially allowing for stack or heap corruption. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-190 as an integer overflow or wraparound, which is a well-documented weakness in software systems that fail to properly validate integer calculations. The specific nature of the flaw means that even a single malformed parameter within the video file can trigger the overflow condition, making the attack surface quite broad and potentially easy to exploit.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-1462 extends beyond simple code execution as it represents a significant threat to end-user security in environments where QuickTime is installed. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to deliver malware, gain unauthorized access to systems, or establish persistent backdoors through the execution of malicious code. The remote nature of the attack means that users do not need to perform any special actions beyond opening the malicious file, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or malicious website scenarios. Organizations relying on QuickTime for video playback in corporate or educational environments face substantial risk, as the vulnerability could be exploited to compromise entire networks through targeted attacks on individual users. This type of vulnerability aligns with the attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the Tactic of Execution, specifically targeting user applications and leveraging the principle of privilege escalation through malicious file execution.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate software updates and system hardening measures. The most effective solution involves upgrading to Apple QuickTime version 7.1 or later, which includes patches addressing the integer overflow conditions in the video parsing routines. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management policies to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly. Network-based mitigations can include content filtering to block suspicious M4V files or implementing sandboxing techniques to isolate media processing applications from critical system resources. Additional protective measures include disabling QuickTime plugin support in web browsers, implementing strict file extension validation, and monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation and proper error handling in multimedia processing libraries, as recommended by security best practices in software development lifecycle processes. Organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of unauthorized media players and reduce the attack surface for similar vulnerabilities.