CVE-2007-2389 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
Apple QuickTime for Java 7.1.6 on Mac OS X and Windows does not clear potentially sensitive memory before use, which allows remote attackers to read memory from a web browser via unknown vectors related to Java applets.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/26/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-2389 represents a critical memory management flaw in Apple QuickTime for Java version 7.1.6 across both Mac OS X and Windows platforms. This issue stems from the improper handling of memory allocation and deallocation processes within the QuickTime Java component, creating potential exposure pathways for malicious actors to access sensitive data that should have been cleared from memory prior to reuse. The vulnerability specifically affects systems where QuickTime for Java is installed and actively utilized within web browser environments, particularly when executing Java applets that interact with the QuickTime multimedia framework.
The technical nature of this flaw aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper handling of memory that should have been cleared but remains accessible to unauthorized parties. When QuickTime for Java processes multimedia content through Java applets, it fails to properly sanitize memory segments that may contain previously processed data, potentially retaining fragments of sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, or system-specific details. This memory leakage occurs during the transition between different multimedia operations or when applets are loaded and executed within browser environments, creating windows of opportunity for attackers to exploit these memory artifacts.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-2389 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a persistent vulnerability that can be leveraged by remote attackers through web-based delivery mechanisms. Attackers can craft malicious web pages containing specially designed Java applets that, when executed in browsers with vulnerable QuickTime for Java installations, can access and extract sensitive memory contents. This exploitation vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for application layer execution and T1068 for local privilege escalation through memory corruption. The vulnerability particularly affects users who browse untrusted websites or encounter malicious web content, as the attack requires no local privileges or physical access to the target system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through software updates, as Apple would have released patches addressing the memory handling issues in subsequent QuickTime versions. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly, while also considering network-level controls such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious Java applet delivery. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management practices in multimedia frameworks and highlights the need for security-conscious development practices that prevent memory leakage in components handling sensitive data. Organizations should also consider implementing security awareness training to educate users about avoiding untrusted web content and maintaining updated software versions to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.