CVE-2007-0718 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in Apple QuickTime before 7.1.5 allows remote user-assisted attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a QTIF file with a Video Sample Description containing a Color table ID of 0, which triggers memory corruption when QuickTime assumes that a color table exists.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0718 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in Apple QuickTime software versions prior to 7.1.5. This flaw exists within the handling of QuickTime file format structures, specifically when processing QTIF files that contain Video Sample Descriptions with a Color table ID of 0. The vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration classification of CWE-121, which encompasses heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The attack vector requires remote user-assisted exploitation, meaning that an attacker must convince a user to open a maliciously crafted QuickTime file, typically through social engineering or malicious web content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from QuickTime's improper validation of color table identifiers within video sample descriptions. When a QTIF file contains a Video Sample Description with a Color table ID set to 0, the QuickTime player assumes that a valid color table structure exists at that memory location. However, since the ID is set to zero, no actual color table data is present, yet the software proceeds with memory operations that expect valid data. This misalignment between expected and actual data structures creates a condition where the heap memory management becomes corrupted, leading to unpredictable behavior. The vulnerability manifests as a crash during file processing, but more concerning is the potential for arbitrary code execution due to the memory corruption that can be leveraged by sophisticated attackers to inject and execute malicious code within the context of the QuickTime application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass potential system compromise. When exploited successfully, attackers can cause QuickTime to crash or potentially gain control over the executing process, which could lead to complete system compromise depending on the privileges of the QuickTime application. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Apple QuickTime installations, particularly those versions before 7.1.5, making it a significant concern for organizations and individuals who rely on QuickTime for media playback. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploitation of software vulnerabilities through techniques that leverage memory corruption issues to achieve unauthorized code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because QuickTime was widely used across different platforms and applications, providing multiple attack vectors for potential exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0718 primarily involve updating to Apple QuickTime version 7.1.5 or later, which includes proper bounds checking and validation of color table identifiers. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all systems running QuickTime are updated promptly. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing content filtering measures to prevent users from accessing potentially malicious QuickTime files through web browsers or email attachments. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious QuickTime file handling activities and unusual memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices, particularly in media processing software where complex file format parsing can create numerous potential attack surfaces. System hardening measures such as address space layout randomization and data execution prevention should also be considered as additional protective measures against exploitation of similar memory corruption vulnerabilities.