CVE-2008-3635 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in QuickTimeInternetExtras.qtx in an unspecified third-party Indeo v3.2 (aka IV32) codec for QuickTime, when used with 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 movie file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3635 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow affecting Apple QuickTime software versions prior to 7.5.5 on Windows platforms. This flaw specifically targets the QuickTimeInternetExtras.qtx component and occurs when processing movie files through an unspecified third-party Indeo v3.2 codec implementation known as IV32. The vulnerability resides within the multimedia processing pipeline where QuickTime handles video codec decompression and rendering operations, creating an exploitable condition that can be triggered through maliciously crafted media files.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the Indeo v3.2 codec implementation within QuickTime's multimedia framework. When QuickTime encounters a specially crafted movie file containing malformed Indeo v3.2 compressed data, the codec fails to properly bounds-check buffer allocations during decompression operations. This allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack, potentially corrupting program execution flow and enabling arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the inherent trust QuickTime places in media file content, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users might encounter untrusted multimedia content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to encompass full remote code execution capabilities, making it a severe threat vector for attackers. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, allowing threat actors to execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected user account. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Windows systems running vulnerable QuickTime versions, particularly impacting users who frequently access multimedia content from untrusted sources. Additionally, the nature of the flaw means that exploitation can occur through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, and malicious websites that deliver crafted movie files.
Organizations and individuals affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including updating to Apple QuickTime version 7.5.5 or later, which includes patches addressing the buffer overflow conditions. Network administrators should consider implementing content filtering measures to prevent execution of untrusted multimedia files, while users should avoid opening movie files from unknown or untrusted sources. Security professionals should also monitor for exploitation attempts and consider implementing intrusion detection signatures specific to this vulnerability. The flaw aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow category and represents a technique commonly used in the attack lifecycle documented under MITRE ATT&CK framework's execution and privilege escalation phases, making it a significant concern for enterprise security posture management.