CVE-2010-1799 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the error-logging functionality in Apple QuickTime before 7.6.7 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 • 01/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1799 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within Apple QuickTime's error-logging subsystem on Windows platforms. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 7.6.7 and demonstrates how seemingly innocuous error handling mechanisms can become attack vectors for remote code execution. The flaw specifically manifests when QuickTime processes malformed movie files that trigger error logging operations, creating conditions where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. Such buffer overflow conditions are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical control data structures, enabling attackers to redirect program execution flow.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of QuickTime's movie file parsing routines where error conditions are logged to stack buffers. When a crafted movie file contains maliciously constructed data within its metadata or structure, the error logging function fails to properly validate input lengths before copying data into fixed-size stack buffers. This classic buffer overflow scenario allows attackers to overwrite stack memory beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially corrupting the program's execution context. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which is a well-documented weakness in software security practices where insufficient bounds checking permits memory corruption.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to Windows users who may encounter malicious movie files through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or compromised websites. The remote exploit capability means that attackers can deliver malicious content without requiring local access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently open compromised media files. Successful exploitation can result in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected QuickTime process, potentially leading to full system compromise. Additionally, the vulnerability can be leveraged for denial of service attacks that cause application crashes, disrupting legitimate user activities and potentially enabling persistent attack scenarios.
The attack surface for this vulnerability extends beyond simple file execution to include social engineering campaigns targeting users who regularly consume multimedia content. Attackers can craft movie files that appear legitimate but contain hidden malicious payloads designed to trigger the buffer overflow during normal QuickTime operation. The exploitation process typically involves careful construction of input data that aligns with the stack memory layout of the affected QuickTime process, requiring detailed knowledge of the target system's memory architecture. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through scripting and T1203 for exploitation for privilege escalation, demonstrating how initial access through media file consumption can lead to broader system compromise.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including mandatory software updates to QuickTime version 7.6.7 or later, which contain patches addressing the buffer overflow conditions. Network segmentation and content filtering measures should be enhanced to prevent unauthorized movie file downloads and execution, particularly in high-risk environments. System administrators should consider disabling QuickTime plugins in web browsers and implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted media files. Regular vulnerability assessments should include checks for outdated QuickTime installations and monitoring for suspicious file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should also include user education regarding safe media file handling practices and the importance of keeping multimedia software updated.