CVE-2008-3615 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
ir50_32.qtx in an unspecified third-party Indeo v5 codec for QuickTime, when used with Apple QuickTime before 7.5.5 on Windows, accesses uninitialized memory, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted movie file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3615 represents a critical memory safety issue within the Indeo v5 codec implementation for QuickTime media player. This flaw exists in the ir50_32.qtx component which is part of a third-party codec library, specifically affecting Apple QuickTime versions prior to 7.5.5 on Windows operating systems. The vulnerability stems from improper memory initialization practices that create exploitable conditions for remote code execution attacks. The issue demonstrates how third-party multimedia codec implementations can introduce significant security risks into widely deployed media playback systems, particularly when these components are integrated into popular media players like QuickTime.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the uninitialized memory access pattern within the Indeo v5 codec's handling of movie files. When processing specially crafted media content, the ir50_32.qtx module fails to properly initialize memory regions before accessing them, creating a scenario where attackers can manipulate the codec's behavior through malicious file structures. This uninitialized memory access pattern falls under the common software security weakness category of CWE-457, which specifically addresses the use of uninitialized variables. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to craft movie files that trigger memory access violations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution within the context of the QuickTime application.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-3615 extends beyond simple application crashes to encompass full remote code execution capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by delivering maliciously crafted movie files through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or compromised websites. When a user opens such a file with an affected QuickTime version, the uninitialized memory access causes the application to behave unpredictably, potentially allowing attackers to inject and execute malicious code on the target system. This creates a significant threat landscape where users are vulnerable to drive-by downloads and targeted attacks, particularly in environments where QuickTime is commonly used for multimedia content consumption.
From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 by enabling initial access through malicious media files, and can support broader attack chains through privilege escalation or lateral movement once the initial compromise is achieved. The vulnerability's classification as a denial of service condition also means that attackers can use it for system availability disruption, making it a dual-purpose threat vector. Organizations running affected QuickTime versions face substantial risk exposure, particularly in enterprise environments where media playback applications are frequently used for presentations, training materials, and collaborative work. The third-party nature of the affected codec component compounds the security challenges, as updates may require coordination with multiple vendors and careful testing to avoid compatibility issues.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate deployment of Apple QuickTime version 7.5.5 or later, which includes patches addressing the uninitialized memory access issue. System administrators should also implement network-based protections such as content filtering and sandboxing of media playback applications to limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of opening untrusted media files and regular security updates should form part of comprehensive defensive measures. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper memory management practices in multimedia codec development and highlights the need for robust security testing of third-party components integrated into widely deployed software platforms.