CVE-2010-0517 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in QuickTime in Apple Mac OS X before 10.6.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted movie file with M-JPEG encoding, which causes QuickTime to calculate a buffer size using height and width fields, but to use a different field to control the length of a copy operation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0517 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw within Apple's QuickTime media player implementation on Mac OS X systems. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 10.6.3 and stems from a fundamental discrepancy in how QuickTime processes M-JPEG encoded movie files. The flaw manifests when the media player calculates buffer size requirements using height and width fields from the movie file header, yet employs a different field for controlling the actual copy operation length during data processing. This inconsistency creates a scenario where maliciously crafted movie files can trigger memory corruption that potentially leads to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of improper input validation and memory management practices, creating a dangerous condition where legitimate application behavior becomes exploitable through crafted media content.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the mismatch between buffer size calculation and copy operation length control within QuickTime's media processing pipeline. When a maliciously crafted M-JPEG movie file is processed, the application computes a buffer size based on height and width values that appear legitimate but are manipulated to exceed the actual buffer boundaries. The subsequent copy operation then uses a different field value to determine how much data to copy, effectively allowing an attacker to write beyond the allocated heap memory space. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a heap-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking permits data to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no user interaction beyond opening the malicious file, making it a prime candidate for drive-by download attacks and remote exploitation scenarios.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to Mac OS X users who frequently encounter media content from untrusted sources. The impact extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially full system compromise, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the QuickTime process. This represents a critical threat to both individual users and enterprise environments where Mac systems are prevalent. The vulnerability demonstrates how media processing applications can become attack surfaces for sophisticated exploitation techniques, particularly when dealing with complex codecs like M-JPEG that require extensive memory management and boundary calculations. The flaw's remote exploitability means that attackers can deliver malicious content through web browsers, email attachments, or file sharing systems without requiring physical access to target systems.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0517 primarily focus on immediate system updates and security hardening measures. Apple's release of Mac OS X 10.6.3 addressed this vulnerability through improved input validation and memory boundary checking within QuickTime's media processing routines. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all systems receive the necessary updates promptly. Additional defensive measures include implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict QuickTime execution to trusted sources, deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious media file handling patterns, and configuring user access controls to limit media file processing capabilities. Security professionals should also consider implementing sandboxing techniques for media processing applications and establishing monitoring protocols for unusual application behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining current security patches and demonstrates how seemingly benign media processing functionality can become a critical attack vector when proper input validation and memory management practices are not implemented. This case study aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 by demonstrating how application vulnerabilities can be exploited to achieve arbitrary code execution, while also reflecting the broader threat landscape where media-based attacks represent a significant vector for initial compromise and lateral movement within target environments.