CVE-2007-2175 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE
Apple QuickTime Java extensions (QTJava.dll), as used in Safari and other browsers, and when Java is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via parameters to the toQTPointer method in quicktime.util.QTHandleRef, which can be used to modify arbitrary memory when creating QTPointerRef objects, as demonstrated during the "PWN 2 0WN" contest at CanSecWest 2007.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-2175 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in Apple QuickTime Java extensions that affected web browsers including Safari. This flaw existed within the QTJava.dll component which served as a bridge between Java applications and QuickTime functionality, specifically targeting the quicktime.util.QTHandleRef class. The vulnerability was particularly dangerous because it leveraged the Java plugin architecture to execute malicious code remotely, making it accessible to attackers who could exploit it through web-based attacks without requiring local system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploited a flaw in the toQTPointer method within the quicktime.util.QTHandleRef class where improper parameter validation allowed attackers to manipulate memory structures during QTPointerRef object creation. When Java was enabled in browsers, this flaw could be triggered through specially crafted web pages that would invoke the vulnerable method with malicious parameters. The attack vector was particularly insidious because it could be executed through standard web browsing activities, making it difficult for users to distinguish between benign and malicious content.
This vulnerability had significant operational impact as it allowed remote code execution with the privileges of the user running the affected browser. The attack demonstrated during the CanSecWest 2007 PWN 2 0WN contest showcased how attackers could leverage this flaw to gain complete control over affected systems, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, and further network infiltration. The vulnerability affected multiple versions of Apple QuickTime and Safari, making it widespread across the affected user base.
The flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of improper input validation in Java-based components. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for Java and T1203 for exploitation of web browsers, with potential for privilege escalation and persistence once successfully exploited. The vulnerability was particularly concerning because it required no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage, making it a prime target for drive-by download attacks and automated exploitation campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability required immediate patching of affected QuickTime versions and browser updates, along with disabling Java plugins in web browsers where possible. Organizations should have implemented network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering to block access to known malicious domains. The incident highlighted the importance of regular security updates and the dangers of enabling unnecessary browser plugins, particularly those with complex native code components. Security professionals recommended implementing a comprehensive patch management strategy and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar flaws in other browser plugins and multimedia components that could serve as attack vectors.