CVE-2007-2396 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
The JDirect support in QuickTime for Java in Apple Quicktime before 7.2 exposes certain dangerous interfaces, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted Java applets.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2396 represents a critical security flaw in Apple QuickTime's Java integration mechanism, specifically within its JDirect support functionality. This issue affects QuickTime for Java versions prior to 7.2 and stems from the improper handling of dangerous interfaces that are exposed to Java applets. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of multimedia framework security and Java applet sandboxing, creating a dangerous attack surface that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical flaw manifests through the exposure of privileged Java interfaces that should normally be restricted to system-level operations. These interfaces, when accessible through JDirect support, allow malicious Java applets to bypass standard security boundaries and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the QuickTime player. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the trust model inherent in Java applet execution, where applets are expected to operate within a restricted environment but can be coerced into accessing dangerous system functions through the exposed JDirect interfaces.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe threat vector for remote code execution attacks. Attackers can craft malicious Java applets that, when executed in a browser or other application that loads QuickTime for Java, can gain unauthorized system access. The exploitation requires no local privileges and can be achieved through web-based delivery mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently browse the internet and encounter untrusted content. The vulnerability essentially allows attackers to execute commands on target systems, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors.
The security implications of CVE-2007-2396 align with CWE-242, which describes the weakness of using dangerous functions, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for executing malicious code through Java applets. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper interface exposure controls and the need for careful security review of integration points between multimedia frameworks and scripting environments. Organizations using affected QuickTime versions face significant risk without immediate patching, as the vulnerability can be exploited through simple web page visits or email attachments containing malicious applets. The remediation strategy requires immediate deployment of Apple's security update to version 7.2 or later, along with network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems to prevent access to known malicious sites. Additionally, security awareness training for users regarding the dangers of executing untrusted Java content and regular security assessments of multimedia software components should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other integrated systems.