CVE-2007-2402 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
QuickTime for Java in Apple Quicktime before 7.2 does not perform sufficient "access control," which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information (screen content) via crafted Java applets.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2402 resides within QuickTime for Java component of Apple QuickTime software versions prior to 7.2. This security flaw represents a critical access control weakness that fundamentally undermines the security boundaries of the Java plugin implementation within the QuickTime framework. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms that fail to properly restrict access to sensitive system resources and display content. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious Java applets that leverage the flawed access control implementation to capture and exfiltrate screen content from vulnerable systems.
This vulnerability operates at the intersection of web-based attack vectors and client-side security flaws, specifically targeting the Java applet execution environment within QuickTime. The technical flaw manifests as a failure in the access control model that should normally prevent untrusted Java code from accessing system display buffers or screen content. The absence of proper sandboxing mechanisms allows malicious applets to bypass normal security restrictions and directly access visual content rendered on the user's screen. This represents a classic privilege escalation scenario where untrusted code gains access to resources that should remain protected from web-based execution contexts.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-2402 extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential privacy violations and data exfiltration capabilities. Remote attackers can deploy malicious Java applets through web browsers or other Java-enabled environments, automatically capturing screen content without user consent or awareness. This vulnerability affects users running vulnerable QuickTime versions across various operating systems where the Java plugin is enabled, creating a broad attack surface. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where sensitive information might be displayed on screens accessible to malicious actors.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a manifestation of CWE-284, which specifically addresses improper access control issues in software systems. The flaw directly relates to the lack of proper access restriction mechanisms that should protect system resources from unauthorized access. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for application execution through Java applets and T1566 for initial access via malicious web content. Organizations should immediately implement patch management procedures to upgrade to QuickTime 7.2 or later versions that address this access control weakness. Additional mitigations include disabling Java plugin execution in web browsers, implementing network-based restrictions, and deploying endpoint protection solutions that monitor for suspicious Java applet behavior. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of proper sandboxing and access control implementation in client-side plugins that execute untrusted code within user environments.