CVE-2007-0462 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
The _GetSrcBits32ARGB function in Apple QuickDraw, as used by Quicktime 7.1.3 and other applications on Mac OS X 10.4.8 and earlier, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted PICT image with a malformed Alpha RGB (ARGB) record, which triggers memory corruption.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/09/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0462 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Apple QuickDraw's _GetSrcBits32ARGB function, which forms a core component of the QuickTime 7.1.3 multimedia framework and other applications running on Mac OS X 10.4.8 and earlier versions. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the image processing pipeline, specifically when handling PICT (Picture) image format files containing malformed Alpha RGB (ARGB) records. The flaw exists at the intersection of graphics rendering and memory management, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through crafted multimedia content. The vulnerability manifests when the system attempts to process specially constructed PICT files that contain corrupted ARGB records, leading to unpredictable behavior in the memory allocation and data handling processes. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations, both of which are common attack vectors in graphics processing libraries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enable remote code execution, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments and users who may encounter malicious PICT files through email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing networks. When exploited, the malformed ARGB records cause the QuickDraw function to attempt memory operations that exceed allocated boundaries, resulting in application crashes or system instability. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no user interaction beyond opening the malicious file, making it a prime candidate for drive-by download attacks and social engineering campaigns. The vulnerability's exploitation can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers legitimate user execution, and T1059, covering command and scripting interpreter usage, as the compromised system may be used as a foothold for further attacks. The memory corruption aspect of this vulnerability allows for potential privilege escalation scenarios where attackers could leverage the application crash to gain unauthorized system access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0462 require immediate system updates to patched versions of QuickTime and Mac OS X, as Apple released security updates addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies for PICT and other multimedia formats, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted content. Network-level filtering should be deployed to block potentially malicious PICT files, and users should be educated about the risks of opening untrusted multimedia files. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input sanitization and proper memory management in graphics processing libraries, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework. System administrators should also consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for multimedia applications and monitoring for unusual memory access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of legacy systems running vulnerable versions of QuickTime are essential, as these older systems often remain in production environments where patching may not be immediately possible, requiring additional compensating controls to maintain security posture against this and similar vulnerabilities.