CVE-2011-3222 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in QuickTime in Apple Mac OS X before 10.7.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted FlashPix file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3222 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Apple's QuickTime media framework that affected Mac OS X versions prior to 10.7.2. This vulnerability resides in the handling of FlashPix image files, a proprietary image format developed by Adobe Systems, which QuickTime processes as part of its multimedia capabilities. The flaw manifests when QuickTime attempts to parse malformed FlashPix files, creating a condition where an attacker can manipulate memory allocation through crafted input data. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 buffer overflow category, specifically classified as a stack-based buffer overflow due to insufficient bounds checking during the parsing of image metadata. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables remote code execution, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise Mac systems without physical access.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a malicious FlashPix file is processed by QuickTime, causing the application to allocate insufficient memory for image data structures. When the parser encounters oversized or malformed metadata fields within the FlashPix file, it fails to validate the input size before copying data into fixed-size buffers. This results in memory corruption that can be leveraged to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially including return addresses or function pointers. The attack vector is particularly dangerous as it requires no user interaction beyond opening the malicious file, making it susceptible to drive-by download attacks and automated exploitation campaigns. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of insufficient input validation, where the QuickTime component fails to implement proper bounds checking before processing user-supplied data, a weakness that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3222 extends beyond simple application crashes, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise through arbitrary code execution. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install malware, establish persistent backdoors, or escalate privileges within the compromised system. The vulnerability affects not only individual users but also enterprise environments where Mac systems may be exposed to untrusted content through email attachments, web downloads, or network shares. The widespread use of QuickTime across Mac OS X installations meant that a large attack surface existed, with the vulnerability potentially affecting any system running vulnerable QuickTime versions. Organizations that did not maintain up-to-date security patches were particularly vulnerable, as the exploitation could occur without user awareness or intervention, making it an attractive vector for targeted attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3222 primarily involve immediate patching and system hardening measures. Apple addressed this vulnerability through security updates that included enhanced input validation and memory management within the QuickTime framework. Organizations should implement automated patch management systems to ensure all Mac systems receive timely security updates, particularly for critical vulnerabilities like this one. Additional mitigations include network-level controls such as content filtering to prevent download of untrusted FlashPix files, sandboxing of QuickTime processes, and user education regarding the risks of opening unknown file attachments. Security professionals should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous QuickTime behavior or memory allocation patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining current security patches and demonstrates how multimedia frameworks can become attack vectors when proper input validation is not implemented, reinforcing principles from the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks that emphasize secure coding practices and vulnerability management.