CVE-2008-3625 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Apple QuickTime before 7.5.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via a QuickTime Virtual Reality (QTVR) movie file with crafted (1) maxTilt, (2) minFieldOfView, and (3) maxFieldOfView elements in panorama track PDAT atoms.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3625 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within Apple QuickTime software versions prior to 7.5.5. This security weakness specifically affects the handling of QuickTime Virtual Reality movie files, which are used to create immersive 360-degree panoramic experiences. The flaw manifests when processing panorama track PDAT atoms that contain specially crafted parameters including maxTilt, minFieldOfView, and maxFieldOfView elements. These parameters control the viewing angles and navigation capabilities within virtual reality environments, making them essential components for proper media playback functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the QuickTime media processing engine. When the software encounters a maliciously constructed QTVR file containing oversized or malformed values for the specified parameters, the application fails to properly bounds-check the data before copying it onto the stack. This lack of proper memory boundary verification creates an exploitable condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent stack memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow. The vulnerability operates at the application level rather than the system level, requiring the target system to attempt to play the malicious QuickTime file for exploitation to occur.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes, presenting significant risks for both remote code execution and denial of service scenarios. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems with the privileges of the user running QuickTime, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can deliver malicious QTVR files through various vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or compromised websites without requiring local system access. Organizations relying on QuickTime for multimedia content distribution face substantial risk, as a single compromised file could affect multiple users across their network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch deployment to upgrade Apple QuickTime to version 7.5.5 or later, which includes proper input validation and bounds checking for the affected parameters. System administrators should also implement network-based controls to filter or block QuickTime movie file types when they are not essential for business operations. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of opening untrusted multimedia files remains crucial, particularly in environments where QuickTime is not required for legitimate business functions. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, stack-based buffer overflow, and represents a typical example of how improper input validation can lead to severe security consequences in multimedia processing applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a remote code execution technique through software exploitation, specifically targeting application-level vulnerabilities in media frameworks that process user-supplied content. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for media processing applications and maintaining updated threat intelligence to identify potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability.