CVE-2007-2296 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the FlipFileTypeAtom_BtoN function in Apple Quicktime 7.1.5, and other versions before 7.2, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted M4V (MP4) file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2296 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within Apple QuickTime's media processing engine that affects versions prior to 7.2. This security weakness resides in the FlipFileTypeAtom_BtoN function which handles the conversion of file type atoms from big-endian to native byte order during media file parsing operations. The flaw occurs when QuickTime processes specially crafted M4V (MP4) files that contain malformed atom structures, creating conditions where integer arithmetic operations exceed the maximum representable value for signed integers. This particular vulnerability falls under the CWE-190 category of integer overflow, specifically manifesting as an unsigned integer overflow when processing file metadata.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems running affected QuickTime versions through the manipulation of media file structures. When a maliciously crafted M4V file is processed by QuickTime, the FlipFileTypeAtom_BtoN function performs calculations on file size parameters that are improperly validated, leading to buffer overflows in memory allocations. The attack vector requires only the presentation of a specially constructed media file to a vulnerable system, making it particularly dangerous for web-based attacks where users might unknowingly download and open malicious content. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 by leveraging a software vulnerability to gain unauthorized code execution, and specifically maps to the T1059.007 sub-technique involving the use of scripting languages through media players.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-2296 extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant threat to user security and system integrity in environments where QuickTime is widely deployed. Organizations using older QuickTime versions face substantial risk of compromise when users encounter malicious media content, particularly in environments where automated media processing or web browsing occurs. The vulnerability affects both desktop and server environments where QuickTime is installed, making it a particularly concerning issue for enterprise security. System administrators must consider the widespread deployment of QuickTime across various platforms including windows and macos systems, where the vulnerability could be exploited through email attachments, web downloads, or streaming media content. The integer overflow creates a predictable pattern of memory corruption that can be reliably exploited to redirect program execution flow, potentially leading to full system compromise or privilege escalation. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date media processing software and highlights the persistent risks associated with legacy media players in modern security environments. The flaw's exploitation requires no user interaction beyond opening the media file, making it particularly dangerous for social engineering attacks where attackers can simply send malicious files through email or web-based delivery mechanisms.