CVE-2008-0032 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
Apple QuickTime before 7.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a movie file containing a Macintosh Resource record with a modified length value in the resource header, which triggers heap corruption.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0032 represents a critical heap corruption flaw within Apple QuickTime media playback software that existed prior to version 7.4. This vulnerability resides in the handling of Macintosh Resource records within movie files, specifically targeting the resource header parsing mechanism. The flaw exploits a fundamental parsing error where the software fails to properly validate the length field within resource headers, creating a condition where malformed data can trigger unpredictable memory behavior. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of buffer overflow conditions as classified by CWE-121, specifically involving heap-based buffer overflows that occur when the application attempts to write data beyond the allocated heap memory boundaries.
The technical execution of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a specially formatted movie file containing a Macintosh Resource record with a modified length value in the resource header. When a victim's system processes this malicious file through QuickTime player, the application's resource parsing routine interprets the modified length field as a legitimate memory allocation size, leading to heap corruption. This heap corruption manifests when the software attempts to allocate memory based on the manipulated length value, causing memory structures to become corrupted and potentially allowing arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-122 heap-based buffer overflow, where the improper bounds checking on heap memory allocation creates an exploitable condition. The attack vector is remote, meaning that simply opening or playing the malicious movie file is sufficient to trigger the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous for widespread exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-0032 extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant threat to system security and stability. When successfully exploited, this vulnerability can enable attackers to gain complete control over affected systems, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or further network infiltration. The vulnerability affects all versions of Apple QuickTime prior to 7.4, making it particularly dangerous given the widespread deployment of older QuickTime versions across enterprise and consumer environments. The exploitation process leverages the ATT&CK technique of code injection, where malicious code is executed within the context of the QuickTime process, allowing attackers to bypass many traditional security controls. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices, as the flaw stems from inadequate bounds checking in the resource header parsing logic.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0032 primarily focus on immediate software updates and system hardening measures. The most effective remediation involves upgrading to Apple QuickTime version 7.4 or later, which includes proper bounds checking and validation of resource header length fields. Organizations should implement strict patch management policies to ensure all systems running QuickTime receive the necessary security updates promptly. Network-level mitigations can include filtering of movie file attachments and implementing content inspection systems that can detect and block potentially malicious QuickTime files. Security administrators should also consider disabling QuickTime playback in web browsers and email clients where possible, as these environments represent common attack vectors. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that reduce the attack surface available to potential exploiters. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in legacy software systems that may not receive regular updates.