CVE-2011-3247 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in Apple QuickTime before 7.7.1 on Windows allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted PICT file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3247 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within Apple QuickTime software version 7.7.0 and earlier on Windows platforms. This vulnerability specifically affects the handling of PICT (Picture) image files, which are commonly used within the QuickTime multimedia framework for storing and transmitting visual content. The integer overflow occurs during the processing of malformed PICT files, creating a condition where the application fails to properly validate input data, leading to potentially catastrophic consequences for system integrity and availability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the QuickTime parser when encountering specially crafted PICT file structures. When the application attempts to process these malformed files, it performs arithmetic operations that exceed the maximum value that can be represented by the integer data type, causing the integer to wrap around to a much smaller value. This overflow condition creates memory allocation issues that can be exploited by malicious actors to overwrite adjacent memory locations, ultimately enabling arbitrary code execution or system crashes. The flaw operates at the application level within the QuickTime component responsible for image processing, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no special privileges to exploit and can be triggered through normal user interactions with multimedia content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on affected systems, potentially gaining complete control over the machine and its resources. The vulnerability affects Windows systems running QuickTime versions prior to 7.7.1, making it particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of QuickTime across enterprise and consumer environments. The attack vector requires only that a user open or view a maliciously crafted PICT file, which could occur through email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing networks, making exploitation both accessible and potentially widespread.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as mapping to CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which specifically addresses the condition where integer arithmetic results in values that exceed the maximum representable value for the data type. The exploitability characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1203, Exploitation for Client Execution, as it involves leveraging a client-side vulnerability to execute code remotely. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through the installation of Apple QuickTime 7.7.1 or later versions, which contain patches specifically addressing the integer overflow condition. Additional mitigations include implementing strict file type filtering, disabling QuickTime plugin support in web browsers, and conducting regular security assessments to identify any remaining vulnerable systems within the network infrastructure.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in multimedia processing applications. The flaw demonstrates how seemingly benign file format processing can become a gateway for sophisticated attacks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing of media handling components. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify attempts to deliver malicious PICT files, as well as establishing robust patch management procedures to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all affected systems. This vulnerability serves as a reminder that third-party multimedia frameworks require constant vigilance and regular security assessments to prevent exploitation by threat actors seeking to leverage known flaws in widely deployed software components.