CVE-2008-3614 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in Apple QuickTime before 7.5.5 on Windows allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted PICT image, which triggers heap corruption.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3614 represents a critical integer overflow flaw in Apple QuickTime versions prior to 7.5.5 on Windows platforms. This vulnerability resides within the handling of PICT image format processing, which is a legacy graphics format originally developed by Apple. The flaw manifests when QuickTime encounters a specially crafted PICT image file that contains maliciously constructed integer values, leading to unpredictable behavior in memory allocation and management processes. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-190 as an integer overflow, specifically occurring when a 32-bit signed integer exceeds its maximum representable value during heap memory allocation operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of PICT image headers and data structures that control memory allocation sizes. When QuickTime processes a malformed PICT image, the application performs calculations that result in integer overflow conditions, causing the application to allocate insufficient heap memory for the intended data structures. This heap corruption creates memory layout inconsistencies that can be leveraged by attackers to execute arbitrary code or force application crashes. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because PICT images can be embedded in various file formats and web content, making remote exploitation possible through web browsers or email attachments without requiring user interaction beyond opening the malicious content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes to encompass full system compromise potential. Attackers can leverage the heap corruption to overwrite critical memory locations, potentially redirecting program execution flow through return-oriented programming or direct code injection techniques. This makes the vulnerability relevant to ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. The vulnerability affects not only end-user systems but also enterprise environments where QuickTime is deployed for multimedia content delivery, creating widespread potential for denial of service attacks against critical business applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3614 require immediate patching of affected QuickTime installations to version 7.5.5 or later, which incorporates proper integer overflow checks and bounds validation in PICT image processing routines. Network administrators should implement content filtering measures to prevent the delivery of potentially malicious PICT files through email gateways and web proxies, particularly focusing on file type validation and heuristic analysis of multimedia content. System hardening measures including heap protection mechanisms, address space layout randomization, and data execution prevention should be enabled to reduce exploit success rates even if the vulnerability is not patched immediately. Organizations should also consider disabling QuickTime plugin support in web browsers and implementing least privilege access controls for multimedia applications to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.