CVE-2012-0670 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in Apple QuickTime before 7.7.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted sean atom in a movie file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0670 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within Apple QuickTime media player software versions prior to 7.7.2. This vulnerability specifically affects the handling of sean atoms within movie files, which are part of the QuickTime file format specification. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and arithmetic overflow protection during the processing of multimedia metadata, creating a potential attack vector for remote code execution or system instability.
The technical flaw manifests when QuickTime processes a specially crafted sean atom within a movie file, where the application fails to properly validate integer values during memory allocation calculations. This integer overflow condition occurs when the application attempts to compute memory requirements for processing the atom data, leading to unexpected behavior when the calculated value exceeds the maximum representable integer. The vulnerability falls under CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which is a well-documented class of flaws affecting memory management operations in software applications.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to users who may encounter maliciously crafted QuickTime movie files through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or compromised websites. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can potentially execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems without requiring local access or user interaction beyond opening the malicious file. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently open compromised media files, potentially leading to full system compromise and lateral movement within networks.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes, as successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise through privilege escalation or the execution of malicious payloads. Attackers could leverage this flaw to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a launch point for broader network attacks. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would likely map to techniques involving exploitation of remote services and privilege escalation, making it a significant concern for security teams responsible for protecting enterprise environments against advanced persistent threats.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0670 primarily involve immediate patching of affected QuickTime installations to version 7.7.2 or later, which includes proper integer overflow checks and enhanced input validation. Organizations should also implement network-based controls such as content filtering and sandboxing of media file processing to reduce exposure. Additionally, user education regarding the dangers of opening untrusted media files and regular security awareness training can significantly reduce the risk of successful exploitation. System administrators should monitor for any signs of exploitation attempts and maintain updated intrusion detection systems to identify potential attacks targeting this vulnerability.