CVE-2007-0748 in Darwin Streaming Server
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in Apple Darwin Streaming Proxy, when using Darwin Streaming Server before 5.5.5, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via multiple trackID values in a SETUP RTSP request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0748 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within Apple Darwin Streaming Proxy software that affects versions prior to 5.5.5. This flaw exists within the RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) implementation of the Darwin Streaming Server, which is a multimedia streaming server developed by Apple for delivering audio and video content over networks. The vulnerability specifically manifests when processing SETUP RTSP requests that contain multiple trackID values, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized code execution privileges on the affected system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the RTSP request handling mechanism of the Darwin Streaming Proxy. When a SETUP request is received with multiple trackID values, the server fails to properly bounds-check the data before copying it into a fixed-size heap buffer. This inadequate memory management allows an attacker to overflow the allocated buffer space and overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow. The heap-based nature of the overflow indicates that the vulnerable code allocates memory dynamically and the overflow occurs in this dynamically allocated memory region rather than on the stack. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite heap memory.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-0748 is severe and potentially catastrophic for organizations relying on Apple Darwin Streaming Server for multimedia content delivery. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in network environments where streaming servers are exposed to untrusted networks. Successful exploitation results in arbitrary code execution privileges, which could enable attackers to gain full control over the affected server, install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive media content, or use the compromised system as a pivot point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the core streaming functionality of the server, potentially disrupting legitimate media delivery services while providing attackers with persistent access to the system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the Darwin Streaming Server to version 5.5.5 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of streaming servers to untrusted networks, utilizing firewalls to restrict RTSP traffic to authorized clients only. Additional protective measures include monitoring RTSP traffic for anomalous SETUP requests containing excessive trackID values and implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in network services, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1203 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for command and control through compromised systems. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting controls to restrict execution of unauthorized code on systems running streaming services, as recommended in defense-in-depth strategies against similar heap-based buffer overflow vulnerabilities.