CVE-2007-4677 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in Apple QuickTime before 7.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an invalid color table size when parsing the color table atom (CTAB) in a movie file, related to the CTAB RGB values.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-4677 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in Apple QuickTime software versions prior to 7.3. This flaw exists within the parsing mechanism of the color table atom (CTAB) structure in movie files, specifically when processing RGB values within the color table. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and bounds checking during the processing of multimedia file metadata, creating a condition where maliciously crafted color table data can overwrite adjacent memory locations in the heap allocation space.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of the color table atom structure within QuickTime's multimedia parsing engine. When the software encounters a movie file containing an invalid color table size parameter within the CTAB atom, the parsing routine fails to properly validate the size field before attempting to allocate memory for the RGB values. This allows attackers to specify a size that exceeds the allocated buffer boundaries, resulting in memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code. The heap-based nature of the overflow means that the corruption occurs in dynamically allocated memory segments, making exploitation more complex but still highly effective.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to users of older QuickTime versions, as it enables remote code execution through simple media file manipulation. Attackers can craft malicious movie files with malformed color table data that, when opened by an affected QuickTime player, triggers the buffer overflow condition. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the widespread use of QuickTime across various platforms and applications, particularly in environments where users may unknowingly open malicious media files. This creates a substantial attack surface that can be leveraged for privilege escalation, system compromise, or delivery of additional malware payloads.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Heap-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in heap memory allocations. This classification indicates the fundamental flaw in memory management and input validation that allows attackers to manipulate heap structures through controlled input data. The attack pattern follows typical exploitation techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 execution technique, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement patch management procedures to upgrade to QuickTime 7.3 or later versions, while also deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts involving malformed media files. Additionally, user education regarding the dangers of opening untrusted media content and implementation of application whitelisting policies can provide additional defense layers against potential exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.