CVE-2011-0251 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in Apple QuickTime before 7.7 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via crafted STSZ atoms in a QuickTime movie file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/17/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0251 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw within Apple QuickTime media player software versions prior to 7.7. This vulnerability resides in the handling of STSZ atoms within QuickTime movie files, which are essential components for storing sample size information in multimedia containers. The flaw manifests when the QuickTime player processes malformed STSZ atom data, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by remote attackers to gain arbitrary code execution or cause application crashes. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a heap-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory boundaries, potentially overwriting critical program data or execution control structures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious QuickTime movie file containing specially formatted STSZ atoms that exceed the expected buffer size limits. When the vulnerable QuickTime player attempts to parse these atoms, the insufficient input validation causes the program to write data beyond the allocated heap memory space, creating conditions for code execution or system instability. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to execute malicious code on target systems. The attack vector is remote, meaning users can be compromised simply by opening or playing a maliciously crafted QuickTime file, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently open multimedia content from untrusted sources.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0251 extends beyond immediate application crashes to potentially enable full system compromise. When exploited successfully, the buffer overflow can allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the QuickTime player process, which typically runs with user-level permissions but may have access to system resources. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Apple operating systems including Mac OS X versions that shipped with older QuickTime implementations, creating a significant attack surface across enterprise and consumer environments. Organizations running affected systems face potential risks including data exfiltration, system takeover, and persistent backdoor installation through the execution of malicious payloads. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of timely security patching and proper input validation in multimedia processing libraries.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0251 primarily involve updating to Apple QuickTime version 7.7 or later, which includes proper bounds checking for STSZ atom processing and heap memory management. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected QuickTime installations are updated promptly. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of unauthorized QuickTime versions, deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious QuickTime file transfers, and educating end users about the risks of opening multimedia files from untrusted sources. The vulnerability underscores the necessity of robust input validation practices and memory safety mechanisms in multimedia processing frameworks, aligning with industry best practices for preventing heap-based buffer overflow exploits. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for media processing applications to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.