CVE-2011-3460 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in QuickTime in Apple Mac OS X before 10.7.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted PNG file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3460 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Apple's QuickTime media framework affecting Mac OS X versions prior to 10.7.3. This issue stems from improper input validation when processing PNG image files, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted image data can trigger memory corruption. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of multimedia processing and memory safety, demonstrating how legacy code handling can introduce significant security risks. The flaw specifically manifests when QuickTime attempts to parse PNG files that contain oversized or malformed image data structures, leading to buffer overflows in memory allocation routines.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. In the context of QuickTime, the application fails to properly validate the dimensions and data structures within PNG files before attempting to render them, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory layout through carefully crafted file contents. The vulnerability exploits the inherent trust placed in media file parsing routines, where legitimate image processing becomes a vector for code execution. Attackers can leverage this flaw by constructing PNG files with malicious metadata or compressed data that exceeds expected buffer boundaries, potentially allowing them to overwrite critical program variables or return addresses.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3460 extends beyond simple application crashes to encompass full remote code execution capabilities, making it a severe threat in enterprise and consumer environments. When exploited, the vulnerability can enable attackers to gain arbitrary code execution privileges on affected systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The denial of service aspect manifests as application crashes and system instability, which can be particularly disruptive in professional settings where media processing is critical. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where users frequently open or preview media files from untrusted sources, as the exploitation can occur through simple file opening operations without requiring user interaction beyond the initial file access.
The exploitation of this vulnerability follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for application execution and T1203 for legitimate user execution paths. Attackers can craft malicious PNG files that appear benign to users while containing payloads designed to exploit the buffer overflow. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the widespread use of QuickTime across Mac OS X systems, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking broad system compromise. Organizations running affected versions of Mac OS X should consider implementing network segmentation to limit exposure and deploy appropriate patch management procedures. The security community recognized this vulnerability as requiring immediate attention due to its remote exploitability and potential for privilege escalation, particularly in environments where users have the ability to open or download media files from external sources. Apple's subsequent release of Mac OS X 10.7.3 included patches that addressed the buffer overflow conditions by implementing proper bounds checking and input validation mechanisms within the QuickTime PNG parsing routines.