CVE-2007-2393 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
The design of QuickTime for Java in Apple Quicktime before 7.2 allows remote attackers to bypass certain security controls and write to process memory via Java applets, possibly leading to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2393 represents a critical security flaw in Apple QuickTime's Java component that existed in versions prior to 7.2. This weakness specifically affects the QuickTime for Java implementation within the broader QuickTime multimedia framework, creating a significant attack surface for remote threat actors. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper access controls within the Java applet execution environment, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the security boundaries that typically protect system memory from unauthorized access. The flaw exists at the intersection of Java applet sandboxing mechanisms and QuickTime's multimedia processing capabilities, creating an exploitable gap in the security model that could be leveraged for privilege escalation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a design flaw in how QuickTime for Java handles memory operations within Java applet contexts. When a malicious Java applet is executed through a web browser or other Java-enabled environment, the vulnerable QuickTime component fails to properly enforce memory access restrictions that should prevent the applet from writing to arbitrary process memory locations. This bypass of security controls occurs because the Java applet execution environment does not adequately validate memory access requests or maintain proper isolation between the applet's memory operations and the underlying operating system processes. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to craft a malicious Java applet that can directly manipulate memory addresses, potentially overwriting critical system data structures or injecting malicious code into running processes.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-2393 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user or process, potentially leading to complete system takeover. The vulnerability's exploitation requires a user to interact with a malicious web page containing the crafted Java applet, making it particularly dangerous in social engineering campaigns where users are tricked into visiting compromised websites. This attack vector aligns with common threat actor methodologies that combine web-based exploitation with user interaction to achieve persistent system access. The vulnerability also represents a significant concern for enterprise environments where users may inadvertently encounter malicious content through web browsing activities or email attachments containing compromised QuickTime content.
The security implications of this vulnerability can be analyzed through the lens of CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls in software design. The flaw demonstrates inadequate separation of privileges between different execution contexts, allowing a restricted Java applet to perform operations that should be prohibited. Additionally, the vulnerability correlates with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers application execution through Java applets, and T1068, which involves privilege escalation through application vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including mandatory updates to QuickTime 7.2 or later versions, disabling Java applet execution in web browsers, and implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls to block malicious content. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar design flaws in multimedia frameworks and other software components that may expose similar attack surfaces.