CVE-2007-2395 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Apple QuickTime before 7.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted image description atom in a movie file, related to "memory corruption."
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2395 represents a critical memory corruption issue within Apple QuickTime software versions prior to 7.3. This flaw exists within the handling of image description atoms within movie files, creating a remote code execution vector that attackers can exploit to gain unauthorized system control. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices during the processing of malformed media file structures, specifically targeting the image description atom component that defines visual elements within QuickTime movie containers.
This memory corruption vulnerability operates through a classic buffer overflow mechanism where maliciously crafted image description atoms can cause the QuickTime player to write data beyond allocated memory boundaries. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code without requiring user interaction beyond opening a specially crafted movie file. The vulnerability affects the core media processing engine of QuickTime, making it a prime target for exploitation in phishing campaigns, malicious website content, or email attachments containing compromised media files. The attack vector leverages the automatic playback functionality of QuickTime when users open or preview media files, enabling seamless exploitation without user awareness.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential data exfiltration. Attackers can leverage this flaw to install backdoors, modify system files, or establish persistent access to affected systems. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Apple operating systems including Mac OS X versions that utilize QuickTime for media playback, creating a substantial attack surface across enterprise and consumer environments. Security researchers have classified this issue as high severity due to its remote exploitability and the potential for privilege escalation, with the ATT&CK framework categorizing this as a code injection technique under the T1059.007 sub-technique for PowerShell and T1566 for spearphishing with a malicious attachment, highlighting its potential use in social engineering campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2395 require immediate patch deployment to upgrade QuickTime to version 7.3 or later, which includes proper memory bounds checking and input validation for image description atoms. Organizations should implement network segmentation to restrict access to potentially malicious media files and deploy application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized QuickTime execution. The CWE database categorizes this vulnerability under CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read conditions. Security teams should also consider disabling QuickTime playback for untrusted content through browser plugins and implementing sandboxing mechanisms for media file processing. Additionally, regular security assessments should verify that all systems have been patched and that legacy QuickTime versions have been completely removed from enterprise environments to prevent residual exploitation opportunities.