CVE-2011-0170 in iTunes
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in ImageIO in CoreGraphics in Apple iTunes before 10.2 on Windows allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted International Color Consortium (ICC) profile in a JPEG image.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-0170 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow affecting Apple iTunes version 10.1 and earlier on Windows platforms. This flaw exists within the ImageIO component of CoreGraphics, specifically when processing International Color Consortium (ICC) profiles embedded within JPEG image files. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and memory management when handling color profile data, creating an exploitable condition that can be triggered through maliciously crafted image files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of ICC profile data during JPEG image processing. When iTunes encounters a JPEG file containing a specially crafted ICC profile, the application fails to properly validate the profile's size and structure before attempting to allocate heap memory for its processing. This oversight allows attackers to overflow the allocated buffer, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations with malicious data. The vulnerability falls under CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow, which is classified as a common weakness in software security practices. The attack vector requires remote exploitation through a crafted JPEG image, making it particularly dangerous as it can be delivered via web pages, email attachments, or file sharing platforms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes to enable full remote code execution capabilities. Attackers can leverage this flaw to inject and execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems, potentially gaining complete control over the affected Windows machine running iTunes. The denial of service aspect manifests as application crashes that can be used to disrupt legitimate user activities, while the remote code execution capability presents a severe threat to system integrity and user data security. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for exploitation for privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to establish persistent access and potentially elevate privileges within the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0170 primarily involve immediate software updates to iTunes version 10.2 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow condition. System administrators should also implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering to prevent the delivery of malicious JPEG files containing crafted ICC profiles. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening untrusted image files and the importance of keeping software updated. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual iTunes process behavior and memory allocation patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices, emphasizing the need for robust software security testing methodologies that include fuzzing and boundary condition testing to identify similar issues before they can be exploited in the wild.