CVE-2010-3787 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in QuickTime in Apple Mac OS X 10.6.x before 10.6.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted JP2 image.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3787 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw within Apple's QuickTime media framework affecting Mac OS X 10.6.x systems prior to version 10.6.5. This security weakness resides in the image processing component responsible for handling JPEG 2000 format files, specifically when the QuickTime player encounters malformed JP2 image data. The flaw manifests when the application attempts to parse and render a specially crafted JP2 image file, leading to improper memory management during the decompression process. The buffer overflow occurs because the QuickTime framework fails to properly validate the size parameters of the JP2 image structure before allocating heap memory for image data processing, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the inherent characteristics of heap-based buffer overflows to achieve arbitrary code execution or system instability. When a malicious JP2 image is processed by QuickTime, the application's memory allocation routines receive malformed size parameters that exceed the expected buffer limits, causing the heap allocator to write data beyond the intended memory boundaries. This memory corruption can be manipulated to overwrite critical program structures including return addresses, function pointers, or other control data within the application's memory space. Attackers can craft specific JP2 files that, when opened automatically or manually by a user, trigger the vulnerable code path and potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the compromised QuickTime process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely through web-based attacks or email attachments without requiring user interaction beyond opening the malicious file.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-3787 extends beyond simple application crashes to encompass full system compromise potential, making it a significant threat in enterprise and consumer environments. Organizations running affected Mac OS X versions face risks of unauthorized system access, data exfiltration, and persistent malware installation through this vulnerability. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can deliver malicious JP2 files through various vectors including web browsers, email attachments, or compromised websites, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios. System administrators must consider the broader implications of this vulnerability as it affects not only individual user machines but also enterprise-wide QuickTime deployment configurations, potentially enabling attackers to establish footholds within networks through successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow classification and represents a typical attack pattern categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3787 require immediate implementation of Apple's security patches and comprehensive system hardening measures to reduce attack surface. The most effective remediation involves upgrading to Mac OS X 10.6.5 or later versions where Apple has implemented proper input validation and memory boundary checks within the QuickTime framework. System administrators should also implement network-level controls to block or scan JP2 image files at perimeter defenses, particularly in environments where automatic media playback cannot be controlled. Additional protective measures include disabling QuickTime plugin support in web browsers, implementing application whitelisting policies, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify systems that may still be running affected QuickTime versions. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual QuickTime process behavior or memory allocation patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts, while user education programs should emphasize the dangers of opening untrusted media files from unknown sources. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software patches and proper security configuration management as recommended by industry standards including NIST SP 800-40 and ISO 27001 frameworks.