CVE-2008-1019 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in quickTime.qts in Apple QuickTime before 7.4.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted PICT image file, related to an improperly terminated memory copy loop.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1019 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within Apple QuickTime's quickTime.qts component affecting versions prior to 7.4.5. This flaw resides in the handling of PICT image files, which are raster image formats used extensively in Apple's ecosystem and various third-party applications. The vulnerability stems from an improper memory copy loop that fails to properly terminate buffer operations, creating conditions where attacker-controlled data can overflow allocated heap memory regions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the quickTime.qts module processing PICT image files without adequate bounds checking during memory allocation and data copying operations. When a maliciously crafted PICT file is processed, the software's image parsing routine executes a memory copy loop that does not properly validate the source data length against the allocated buffer size. This allows an attacker to inject additional data beyond the intended buffer boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including return addresses, function pointers, or other critical control structures within the application's heap memory space.
From an operational perspective this vulnerability presents significant remote execution risks as it can be exploited through web-based attacks, email attachments, or any delivery mechanism that allows a user to open a malicious PICT file within a vulnerable QuickTime installation. The attack vector requires no local privileges or user interaction beyond opening the malicious file, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may encounter such files in email communications or web browsing activities. The heap-based nature of the overflow provides attackers with multiple exploitation techniques including return-oriented programming and stack pivoting to achieve arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected application process.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121 Heap-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in heap memory allocations where insufficient bounds checking allows data to overwrite adjacent memory regions. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a code injection technique under the T1059.007 sub-technique, specifically targeting application execution through malformed file processing. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK's T1203 sub-technique for exploitation of remote services, as it allows remote code execution through network-delivered malicious content. The impact assessment reveals that successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, privilege escalation, and persistent backdoor installation, making this a high-priority vulnerability for immediate remediation across all affected systems.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patch deployment to upgrade to QuickTime 7.4.5 or later versions where the buffer overflow has been addressed through proper bounds checking and memory management practices. Organizations should implement network-based controls including web application firewalls and content filtering systems to block PICT file attachments and downloads from untrusted sources. Additionally, user education regarding suspicious file attachments and email phishing campaigns remains crucial in preventing exploitation attempts. System administrators should monitor for any signs of exploitation attempts and consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of unauthorized QuickTime components. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability management processes to identify and remediate similar memory corruption flaws in legacy software components.