CVE-2011-0187 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
The plug-in in QuickTime in Apple Mac OS X before 10.6.7 allows remote attackers to bypass the Same Origin Policy and obtain potentially sensitive video data via vectors involving a cross-site redirect.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0187 resides within the QuickTime plug-in component of Apple Mac OS X operating systems prior to version 10.6.7. This security flaw represents a significant bypass of fundamental web security mechanisms that govern how web browsers and media players interact with content from different origins. The issue manifests through a cross-site redirect attack vector that enables malicious actors to circumvent the Same Origin Policy, a critical security measure that prevents web pages from accessing resources from different domains without proper authorization. The vulnerability specifically affects the QuickTime plug-in's handling of cross-site redirects, creating a pathway for unauthorized data access that could expose sensitive video content to attackers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of redirect chains within the QuickTime plug-in's processing logic. When a web page attempts to load video content through QuickTime, the plug-in fails to properly verify the security context of intermediate redirects that occur during the content delivery process. This weakness allows attackers to craft malicious web pages that use cross-site redirects to manipulate the plug-in's behavior, effectively tricking it into accessing and potentially exposing video data that should be restricted by the Same Origin Policy. The flaw operates at the intersection of web security protocols and media player functionality, creating a unique attack surface where browser security mechanisms fail to properly protect multimedia content.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0187 extends beyond simple data exposure, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in the security architecture of QuickTime's integration with web browsers on Mac OS X systems. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to access video content that might contain sensitive information, personal data, or proprietary materials that should remain protected by cross-origin security restrictions. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where users browse untrusted websites or encounter malicious web content, as the attack requires only a single compromised web page to potentially compromise video data access. This makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Mac OS X systems are prevalent and users regularly access web content from various sources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates to Apple Mac OS X version 10.6.7 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the Same Origin Policy bypass. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all Mac OS X systems are updated promptly, as the vulnerability affects multiple versions of the operating system. Security administrators should also consider implementing additional network-level controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions that can detect and block suspicious cross-site redirect patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-346, which addresses "Improper Verification of Source of a Communication Channel", and relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript', as attackers may utilize JavaScript-based cross-site redirect attacks to exploit this weakness. Additional defensive measures include user education about avoiding untrusted websites and implementing browser security policies that restrict QuickTime plug-in functionality in potentially risky contexts.