CVE-2011-0248 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the QuickTime ActiveX control in Apple QuickTime before 7.7 on Windows, when Internet Explorer is used, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted QTL file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/17/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0248 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within Apple QuickTime's ActiveX control implementation on Windows systems. This security weakness specifically affects QuickTime versions prior to 7.7 when operating in Internet Explorer environments, creating a significant attack surface for remote threat actors seeking to compromise affected systems. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the QuickTime ActiveX control's handling of QTL (QuickTime Link) files, which are used to embed QuickTime content within web pages and other applications. The flaw manifests when the control processes maliciously crafted QTL files that contain oversized data payloads exceeding the allocated stack buffer space, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited for code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow conditions, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data. When Internet Explorer loads a web page containing a malicious QTL file, the QuickTime ActiveX control initializes without proper validation of the input data structure, causing the stack buffer to overflow and overwrite critical program execution elements. This memory corruption typically results in application crashes due to invalid memory access violations, but can also enable attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running Internet Explorer. The attack vector leverages the trust relationship between Internet Explorer and ActiveX controls, where users unknowingly execute malicious code through standard web browsing activities.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0248 extends beyond simple application instability to encompass full system compromise potential, making it a significant concern for enterprise environments and individual users alike. Organizations running affected QuickTime versions face heightened risk of targeted attacks, particularly in scenarios where users access untrusted web content or receive malicious email attachments containing crafted QTL files. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond normal web browsing activities, making it particularly dangerous for social engineering campaigns. Security analysts have noted that this flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1203, where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to execute malicious code, and T1068, which involves the use of privilege escalation techniques through application flaws. The vulnerability affects a broad user base since QuickTime was widely distributed and commonly installed on Windows systems, creating a large potential attack surface for threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0248 focus on immediate remediation through software updates and system hardening measures. The primary and most effective solution involves upgrading to Apple QuickTime version 7.7 or later, which includes proper bounds checking and input validation within the ActiveX control implementation. Organizations should implement automated patch management systems to ensure rapid deployment of security updates across all affected systems. Additional protective measures include disabling ActiveX controls in Internet Explorer for non-essential web browsing activities, implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious QTL content, and establishing user education programs to raise awareness about the risks of visiting untrusted websites. Network administrators should consider implementing sandboxing techniques for web browsing activities and monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining current antivirus signatures and endpoint protection solutions that can detect and block known malicious QTL file patterns, while security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this specific vulnerability in their environments.