CVE-2012-0660 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer underflow in QuickTime in Apple Mac OS X before 10.7.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted MPEG file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0660 represents a critical buffer underflow condition within Apple's QuickTime media framework affecting Mac OS X versions prior to 10.7.4. This flaw resides in the MPEG file parsing functionality where the application fails to properly validate input data structures before processing them, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized code execution privileges or induce system instability through application crashes. The vulnerability specifically manifests when QuickTime encounters a crafted MPEG file that contains malformed data structures designed to trigger the underflow condition during normal media processing operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the QuickTime component responsible for parsing MPEG container format files. When a maliciously constructed MPEG file is processed, the parser attempts to read data from memory locations that are insufficiently protected or validated, resulting in a buffer underflow scenario where the application writes data beyond the allocated memory boundaries. This condition typically occurs during the parsing of video frame headers or metadata sections within the MPEG file structure, where the application's memory management routines fail to account for all possible input variations. The underlying cause aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of input boundaries, and CWE-125, which addresses reading data outside of allocated buffer boundaries. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with memory safety issues commonly exploited in the ATT&CK framework under the technique of "Exploitation for Code Execution" and "Command and Control" activities that leverage application vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass full system compromise potential for remote attackers. When successfully exploited, the buffer underflow can lead to arbitrary code execution within the context of the QuickTime process, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges and gain complete control over the affected system. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can deliver malicious MPEG files through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or compromised websites without requiring local system access. The application crash resulting from the underflow condition can also be leveraged for denial of service attacks against targeted systems, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where media processing applications are frequently used. Organizations utilizing older versions of Mac OS X that have not received the relevant security patches face significant risk exposure from this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0660 primarily focus on immediate system updates and operational security measures. The most effective remediation involves applying Apple's official security updates for Mac OS X 10.7.4 and subsequent releases, which contain patched versions of the QuickTime framework that properly validate input data structures. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive timely updates, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted media files. Additional protective measures include implementing network-based filtering to block potentially malicious media files, disabling QuickTime plugin support in web browsers, and deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious file transfer patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of untrusted media processing applications, as well as conducting regular security assessments to identify systems that may remain vulnerable due to delayed patch deployment. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the potential consequences of running unsupported software versions in enterprise environments.