CVE-2007-0754 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in Apple QuickTime before 7.1.3 allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted Sample Table Sample Descriptor (STSD) atom size in a QuickTime movie.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0754 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw in Apple QuickTime media player software versions prior to 7.1.3. This vulnerability resides within the handling of multimedia file structures, specifically in the parsing of Sample Table Sample Descriptor atoms within QuickTime movie files. The flaw manifests when the application processes a maliciously crafted STSD atom that contains an oversized size field, causing the application to allocate insufficient memory for the buffer that subsequently receives the atom data. This improper memory management creates an exploitable condition where an attacker can overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious code, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution on the target system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the QuickTime media parser. When processing QuickTime movie files, the application reads the size field from the STSD atom header without sufficient bounds checking or validation. The parser assumes that the size field accurately represents the actual data size and allocates memory accordingly. However, when an attacker crafts a malicious file with an inflated size value, the application allocates a buffer that is too small to accommodate the actual data payload. This discrepancy creates a heap overflow condition where excess data overflows into adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting the heap metadata or overwriting critical program structures. The vulnerability falls under CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow, which is classified as a common weakness in software security practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a sophisticated attack vector that can be leveraged through various delivery mechanisms. The user-assisted nature of the attack means that victims must open or play the malicious QuickTime movie file, typically through a web browser or media player application. This delivery method aligns with common attack patterns found in the ATT&CK framework under the T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution technique, where adversaries leverage vulnerabilities in applications to execute malicious code. The vulnerability affects systems running vulnerable versions of QuickTime, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where legacy software may be prevalent. Successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to affected systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate software updates and comprehensive security measures. The primary remediation involves upgrading to Apple QuickTime version 7.1.3 or later, which includes proper bounds checking and memory allocation validation for STSD atom processing. Organizations should implement automated patch management systems to ensure all endpoints receive security updates promptly. Network-level defenses can include content filtering and sandboxing of multimedia file handling, particularly in web environments where QuickTime files may be encountered. Security teams should also consider implementing behavioral monitoring to detect anomalous file processing patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and memory management in multimedia processing applications, highlighting the need for security testing during software development lifecycle phases. Organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments of their multimedia handling systems and ensure that legacy applications are either patched or properly isolated from untrusted content sources.