CVE-2014-1248 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Apple QuickTime before 7.7.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted ldat atom in a movie file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1248 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Apple QuickTime media player software affecting versions prior to 7.7.5. This vulnerability resides in the handling of movie files and specifically targets the ldat atom parsing functionality within the QuickTime framework. The flaw manifests when QuickTime processes maliciously crafted movie files containing specially constructed ldat atoms, creating a condition where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory regions. The buffer overflow occurs during the parsing of the ldat atom structure, which is used to store audio and video data within QuickTime movie files, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through normal media playback operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the QuickTime media processing engine. When the ldat atom is parsed, the application fails to properly validate the size field of the atom, allowing an attacker to specify a length that exceeds the allocated buffer space. This condition creates a classic stack-based buffer overflow scenario where attacker-controlled data can overwrite critical program memory including return addresses, function pointers, and other control structures. The vulnerability operates under CWE-121, which categorizes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities. The flaw is particularly insidious because it can be exploited through simple file delivery mechanisms, requiring no user interaction beyond opening the malicious file, making it suitable for drive-by download attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-1248 extends beyond simple application crashes to enable full remote code execution capabilities. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected QuickTime process, typically running with user-level permissions but potentially elevated through privilege escalation vectors. The vulnerability can be leveraged for persistent access to compromised systems, data exfiltration, or as a stepping stone for further attacks within network environments. Organizations running affected QuickTime versions face significant risk as this vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including email attachments, malicious websites, or compromised web services hosting QuickTime media content. The vulnerability's remote exploitability without user interaction makes it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where users may inadvertently encounter malicious content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-1248 primarily focus on immediate patching of affected systems with Apple's official security updates. Organizations should prioritize updating all QuickTime installations to version 7.7.5 or later, which includes proper bounds checking for ldat atom parsing and other memory safety improvements. Network administrators should implement content filtering measures to block suspicious QuickTime movie files and monitor for potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction, making network-based detection and prevention measures essential. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening unknown or untrusted QuickTime files, and system administrators should consider disabling QuickTime plugin support in web browsers where possible. Organizations should also implement regular vulnerability scanning procedures to identify systems running outdated QuickTime versions and ensure comprehensive patch management processes are in place to prevent similar vulnerabilities from affecting their environments.