CVE-2010-0527 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in Apple QuickTime before 7.6.6 on Windows allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted PICT image.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0527 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within Apple QuickTime software versions prior to 7.6.6 on Windows operating systems. This vulnerability exists in the handling of PICT image format processing, which is a legacy graphics format originally developed by Apple for use in Macintosh systems. The flaw occurs when QuickTime attempts to parse malformed PICT image files, specifically in the way it manages memory allocation for image data structures. The integer overflow condition arises when the application processes certain image dimensions or data sizes that exceed the maximum value an integer variable can hold, causing the software to behave unpredictably and potentially execute malicious code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions. Attackers can craft malicious PICT image files with carefully manipulated dimensions or data structures that trigger the overflow when processed by the vulnerable QuickTime component. This manipulation causes the application to allocate insufficient memory or corrupt memory structures, leading to potential code execution at the privilege level of the running QuickTime process. The vulnerability's remote attack vector means that malicious actors can deliver the exploit through web browsers, email attachments, or any medium that can trigger QuickTime's image processing capabilities. The flaw essentially creates a buffer overflow condition where the application's memory management fails to properly validate input parameters before performing arithmetic operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-0527 extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially enable full system compromise when exploited successfully. When a user encounters a malicious PICT image through a web browser or email client that automatically processes QuickTime content, the vulnerability can be triggered without user interaction. This scenario presents a significant threat to enterprise environments where QuickTime is widely deployed, as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on target systems with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable software. The vulnerability also enables denial of service attacks that can crash applications repeatedly, disrupting business operations and potentially leading to system instability. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) techniques, as it enables attackers to execute malicious code through legitimate software channels.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0527 primarily focus on immediate software updates and system hardening measures. Apple released QuickTime 7.6.6 to address this vulnerability, which includes proper input validation and memory management fixes that prevent the integer overflow condition from occurring. Organizations should prioritize patch management to ensure all systems running vulnerable QuickTime versions are updated promptly. Additional protective measures include disabling QuickTime plugin support in web browsers, implementing content filtering solutions that can identify and block suspicious PICT files, and monitoring network traffic for potential exploitation attempts. Security administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of QuickTime components to trusted environments only. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation and memory management in multimedia processing software, particularly when dealing with legacy formats that may not have been designed with modern security considerations in mind.