CVE-2011-3248 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
Integer signedness error in Apple QuickTime before 7.7.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted font table in a QuickTime movie file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3248 represents a critical integer signedness error within Apple QuickTime media processing software, specifically affecting versions prior to 7.7.1. This flaw resides in the font table parsing mechanism that QuickTime employs when handling multimedia files, creating a pathway for remote code execution or denial of service attacks through maliciously crafted QuickTime movie files. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of signed and unsigned integer values during font table processing, which can lead to unpredictable behavior when the application attempts to interpret malformed data structures within the movie file format.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which describes integer overflow conditions, and more specifically relates to CWE-191, integer underflow, where signed integer operations produce unexpected results when negative values are improperly handled. The flaw occurs when QuickTime processes font tables within movie files, where the application fails to properly validate the signedness of integer values during parsing operations. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious font table data that, when processed by the vulnerable QuickTime version, triggers integer arithmetic overflow or underflow conditions. These conditions can cause memory corruption, leading to application crashes or potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code through carefully crafted input that manipulates the program flow.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3248 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides a potential vector for remote code execution attacks that could compromise systems running vulnerable QuickTime versions. This vulnerability affects users who may encounter malicious QuickTime movie files through email attachments, web downloads, or compromised websites, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently open compromised media files. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to target systems, enabling widespread exploitation through web-based attack vectors. Additionally, the flaw can be leveraged as part of broader attack chains, potentially serving as a initial access point for more sophisticated attacks that could ultimately lead to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3248 should prioritize immediate patching of affected QuickTime installations to version 7.7.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the integer signedness error. Organizations should implement network-based controls such as content filtering and web proxies that can block or scan QuickTime movie files from untrusted sources, reducing the attack surface for this vulnerability. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual QuickTime processing behavior or memory access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider disabling QuickTime plugins in web browsers where possible, and implement application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of QuickTime components to trusted environments only. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and integer handling in multimedia processing libraries, reinforcing industry best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly in the context of privilege escalation and execution techniques that leverage memory corruption vulnerabilities.