CVE-2007-0588 in Quicktime
Summary
by MITRE
The InternalUnpackBits 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 file that triggers memory corruption in the _GetSrcBits32ARGB function. NOTE: this issue might overlap CVE-2007-0462.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0588 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Apple QuickDraw's InternalUnpackBits function, which serves as a foundational component for image processing in QuickTime 7.1.3 and earlier versions running on Mac OS X 10.4.8 and earlier operating systems. This vulnerability resides in the graphics handling subsystem that processes PICT (Picture) files, which are widely used container formats for storing bitmap and vector graphics within the macOS ecosystem. The flaw specifically manifests when the system processes malformed PICT files that exploit buffer overflow conditions in the _GetSrcBits32ARGB function, which is responsible for handling 32-bit ARGB (Alpha, Red, Green, Blue) pixel data during image decompression operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted PICT file that triggers improper memory handling during the unpacking process of compressed image data. When the vulnerable QuickDraw function processes such malformed input, it fails to properly validate the boundaries of memory allocations, leading to memory corruption that can result in application crashes or more severely, arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of Stack-based Buffer Overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered remotely through maliciously crafted media files, making it a prime target for social engineering attacks that could compromise user systems without their knowledge.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-0588 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable full system compromise through remote code execution. Attackers could craft PICT files that, when opened by vulnerable applications, would execute malicious code with the privileges of the user running the application. This vulnerability particularly affects users of older macOS versions where automatic security updates may not be available, creating a significant attack surface for threat actors targeting enterprise environments or individuals who have not updated their systems. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that users could be compromised simply by viewing a malicious file, making it particularly dangerous in email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing scenarios. According to ATT&CK framework techniques, this vulnerability maps to T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on target systems through legitimate application interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0588 primarily involve immediate system updates to patched versions of QuickTime and macOS, though this becomes challenging for users of older operating systems that no longer receive security patches. System administrators should implement strict file validation policies for PICT files, particularly those received from untrusted sources, and consider disabling automatic preview of media files in email clients or web browsers. Network-level defenses can include filtering PICT file types at firewalls or content inspection devices, while endpoint protection solutions should be configured to scan for potentially malicious image files. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that reduce the attack surface of legacy applications. Organizations should consider migrating away from unsupported software versions and implement application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of vulnerable QuickTime components. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening unknown or untrusted media files, and security awareness training should emphasize the potential dangers of seemingly benign image files that could contain malicious code designed to exploit these historical vulnerabilities.