CVE-2014-1249 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 PSD image.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1249 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Apple QuickTime software versions prior to 7.7.5. This security weakness specifically affects the handling of PSD (Photoshop Document) image files, creating a pathway for remote attackers to compromise systems through maliciously crafted image content. The vulnerability resides in the image parsing logic that fails to properly validate the size and structure of PSD files, leading to memory corruption when processing malformed input data.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs during the parsing of PSD image headers and metadata sections where QuickTime does not adequately check array bounds before copying data into fixed-size buffers. When a malicious PSD file is processed, the application attempts to read or write beyond the allocated memory boundaries, causing unpredictable behavior including arbitrary code execution or application crash. This flaw operates at the level of image format parsing and memory management within the QuickTime media framework, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through normal media playback operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected user, potentially leading to complete system takeover. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Apple operating systems including macOS and iOS devices where QuickTime is installed, making it a significant threat vector for targeted attacks. Applications that integrate QuickTime for media processing or viewing become potential attack surfaces, particularly in environments where users might encounter untrusted image content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-1249 focus on immediate patch deployment and operational security measures. Apple released QuickTime 7.7.5 to address this vulnerability through enhanced input validation and memory boundary checks during PSD file processing. Organizations should implement immediate patch management protocols to upgrade all affected QuickTime installations and disable PSD file handling where possible. Network security controls including content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms can provide additional protection layers. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059 for remote code execution through malicious file formats. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual QuickTime process behavior and memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.