CVE-2007-4672 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Apple QuickTime before 7.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an invalid UncompressedQuickTimeData opcode length in a PICT image.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4672 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in Apple QuickTime software versions prior to 7.3, specifically affecting the handling of PICT image files. This flaw resides within the parsing logic for UncompressedQuickTimeData opcodes, where improper validation of opcode length parameters creates a condition that allows maliciously crafted input to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, where insufficient bounds checking permits data to be written beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a malicious PICT image file contains an invalid UncompressedQuickTimeData opcode with a length field that exceeds the expected buffer size. When the QuickTime player processes this malformed data, the application fails to properly validate the opcode length parameter before attempting to copy data into a fixed-size stack buffer. This validation failure allows attackers to craft payloads that overwrite return addresses, saved registers, and other critical stack memory locations, enabling remote code execution with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable QuickTime player.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-4672 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it represents a significant vector for privilege escalation attacks within environments where QuickTime is commonly used for multimedia content delivery. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through various attack vectors including web-based exploits, email attachments, or malicious websites that serve compromised PICT files. The vulnerability affects a wide range of systems including Windows and macOS platforms where QuickTime Player is installed, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multimedia content is frequently shared and viewed. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code on target systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-4672 primarily focus on immediate patching of affected QuickTime installations to version 7.3 or later, which includes proper bounds checking for opcode length parameters. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit exposure to potentially malicious PICT content, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted multimedia files. Additional protective measures include disabling QuickTime plugin support in web browsers, implementing strict content filtering policies for multimedia file types, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify any remaining instances of older QuickTime versions. The remediation process should also include user education about avoiding suspicious multimedia content and maintaining updated software versions to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.