CVE-2012-0671 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
Apple QuickTime before 7.7.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption and application crash) via a crafted .pict file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/24/2021
Apple QuickTime versions prior to 7.7.2 contained a critical memory corruption vulnerability that enabled remote code execution and denial of service attacks through maliciously crafted .pict files. This vulnerability resides in the image parsing functionality of the QuickTime media framework, specifically within the handling of PICT (Picture) file format structures. The flaw manifests when the application processes malformed PICT data that contains improperly structured or oversized data fields, leading to buffer overflows and memory corruption conditions that can be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with common software security weaknesses categorized under CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions. The vulnerability occurs during the parsing of PICT file headers and data structures where the application fails to properly validate input boundaries before copying data into fixed-size buffers. Attackers can craft malicious .pict files that contain oversized data segments or malformed structure fields that cause the QuickTime parser to write beyond allocated memory regions, potentially overwriting critical program data or execution pointers. This memory corruption can result in unpredictable application behavior including crashes, application termination, or more critically, the execution of attacker-controlled code through carefully crafted memory overwrite scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to represent a significant security risk for end-user systems. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability by delivering malicious .pict files through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or malicious websites that automatically trigger QuickTime playback. When a user opens or previews such a crafted file, the vulnerable QuickTime component executes the malicious code within the context of the user's privileges, potentially allowing for complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects all versions of QuickTime before 7.7.2 and represents a critical threat in environments where users frequently interact with untrusted media content or where automated browsing is common.
The exploitation of this vulnerability follows attack patterns consistent with the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique T1203, which describes exploitation for execution through the use of malicious files. The attack chain typically begins with initial compromise through social engineering or automated delivery mechanisms, followed by the triggering of the vulnerable QuickTime component through user interaction with the malicious file. Mitigation strategies include immediate patch deployment to update to QuickTime 7.7.2 or later versions, which contain proper input validation and memory boundary checking. Additionally, system administrators should implement email filtering and web content security measures to prevent automatic execution of potentially malicious media files, along with user education about the risks of opening untrusted files. Organizations should also consider disabling QuickTime playback for untrusted content and implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of vulnerable components. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in multimedia processing libraries, aligning with industry best practices for preventing buffer overflow exploits and maintaining application security boundaries.