CVE-2007-2397 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
QuickTime for Java in Apple Quicktime before 7.2 does not properly check permissions, which allows remote attackers to disable security controls and execute arbitrary code via crafted Java applets.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2397 represents a critical security flaw in Apple QuickTime's Java component that existed in versions prior to 7.2. This issue stems from insufficient permission checking mechanisms within the QuickTime for Java runtime environment, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass security controls and execute unauthorized code. The vulnerability specifically affects the Java applet execution environment within QuickTime, which was commonly used for multimedia content delivery on web browsers and desktop applications. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental failure in access control implementation that allows remote code execution through crafted malicious Java applets.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control issues in software systems. The flaw occurs because QuickTime for Java failed to properly validate or enforce security permissions when processing Java applets, allowing attackers to manipulate the runtime environment and disable protective measures. This type of vulnerability represents a privilege escalation issue where unprivileged code execution can lead to full system compromise. The vulnerability operates at the application level rather than at the operating system level, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through web browsers without requiring local system access. Attackers could craft malicious Java applets that would appear legitimate to the QuickTime runtime but would actually disable security features and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the application.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-2397 is substantial, as it enables remote code execution attacks that can compromise user systems without requiring any special privileges or local access. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and script injection, as well as T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. Systems running affected versions of QuickTime for Java were vulnerable to attacks that could result in complete system compromise, data theft, or deployment of additional malware. The vulnerability was particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users might unknowingly visit compromised websites or download malicious content that would trigger the exploit. The remote nature of the attack means that users could be compromised simply by viewing web content, making it a significant threat vector for phishing campaigns and drive-by downloads.
Organizations and users should immediately update to QuickTime version 7.2 or later to remediate this vulnerability, as no reliable workarounds exist for the permission checking flaw. The patch addresses the core issue by implementing proper permission validation within the Java applet execution environment, ensuring that security controls cannot be disabled through malicious code. System administrators should conduct thorough inventory checks to identify all systems running affected QuickTime versions and implement mandatory update policies. Security monitoring should include detection of attempts to load malicious Java applets through QuickTime components, and network traffic analysis should be performed to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper sandboxing and access control mechanisms in multimedia runtime environments, as well as the critical need for timely security updates in widely deployed software components.