CVE-2007-2295 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the JVTCompEncodeFrame function in Apple Quicktime 7.1.5 and other versions before 7.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted H.264 MOV file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/09/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2295 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow affecting Apple QuickTime media player versions prior to 7.2. This flaw resides within the JVTCompEncodeFrame function which processes H.264 encoded video content in MOV container format files. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and bounds checking when handling crafted malicious H.264 streams, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory regions in the heap allocation space. Such buffer overflow conditions are classified under CWE-121 as heap-based buffer overflow, representing a common yet dangerous class of memory corruption vulnerabilities that can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a maliciously crafted H.264 MOV file is processed by the vulnerable QuickTime component. When the JVTCompEncodeFrame function attempts to decode and encode the malformed video stream, it fails to properly validate the size parameters of video frame data, allowing an attacker to overflow the allocated heap buffer. This overflow can overwrite critical memory structures including return addresses, function pointers, or other control data, enabling attackers to redirect program execution flow. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered remotely through web-based delivery mechanisms, making it a prime target for drive-by download attacks and remote code execution scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation or denial of service conditions. Attackers can leverage this heap overflow to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected QuickTime process, typically running with user-level permissions but potentially elevated through privilege escalation techniques. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Apple QuickTime versions including 7.1.5 and earlier releases, making it a significant concern for enterprise environments where legacy media player versions may still be deployed. The attack surface is particularly broad given that MOV files were commonly used in web content and multimedia applications, increasing the likelihood of successful exploitation through various delivery vectors including email attachments, web downloads, and embedded media content in web pages.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including mandatory software updates to QuickTime 7.2 or later versions where the vulnerability has been patched. Organizations should also consider network-based protections such as content filtering and sandboxing of media file processing to reduce the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) as attackers can leverage the compromised system for further malicious activities. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in multimedia codecs, which are commonly targeted due to their complex processing requirements and the frequent use of untrusted media content in web and enterprise environments.