CVE-2011-0246 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in Apple QuickTime before 7.7 on Windows allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted GIF file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/17/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0246 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw within Apple QuickTime software version 7.6 and earlier on Windows operating systems. This vulnerability resides in the multimedia processing component responsible for handling GIF image files, making it particularly dangerous due to the widespread use of GIF format across web applications and email attachments. The flaw manifests when QuickTime attempts to parse maliciously crafted GIF files, triggering unpredictable memory corruption that can be exploited by remote attackers to gain unauthorized system control.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within QuickTime's GIF parsing engine. When processing specially constructed GIF files, the software fails to properly bounds-check memory allocations, leading to a situation where data written to heap memory exceeds the allocated buffer size. This heap corruption occurs during the decompression and rendering process of GIF images, specifically affecting the handling of image data structures and color table entries. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a heap-based buffer overflow, which is a well-documented weakness in memory management that has been exploited in numerous security incidents throughout the software industry.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0246 extends beyond simple application crashes, presenting attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. This remote code execution vulnerability allows threat actors to install malware, modify system files, or establish persistent backdoors without requiring local system access. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it can be initiated through web browsing, email attachments, or any scenario where a user might encounter a malicious GIF file. The vulnerability has been mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Windows Command and Scripting Interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute commands through the compromised QuickTime process.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch deployment as Apple released QuickTime 7.7 to address the heap overflow issue. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly. Network administrators should consider implementing web filtering solutions to block suspicious GIF file downloads and monitor for malicious file attachments. Additional protective measures include disabling QuickTime plugin functionality in web browsers, implementing application whitelisting policies, and conducting regular security assessments of multimedia processing components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper memory management practices and input validation in multimedia libraries, serving as a reminder that third-party components often present significant security risks that require continuous monitoring and updating.