CVE-2014-4350 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in QT Media Foundation in Apple OS X before 10.9.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted MIDI file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/20/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4350 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the QT Media Foundation component of Apple's macOS operating system. This issue affects versions prior to macOS 10.9.5 and demonstrates how multimedia processing components can become entry points for sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the system processes crafted MIDI files, which are standard audio file formats used for musical instrument data communication. The flaw resides in the improper handling of buffer boundaries during MIDI file parsing operations, creating opportunities for malicious actors to exploit memory management weaknesses.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the QT Media Foundation library responsible for multimedia processing. When a maliciously crafted MIDI file is encountered, the system fails to properly bounds-check data structures, allowing an attacker to write beyond allocated memory regions. This buffer overflow condition can be leveraged to overwrite critical memory locations including return addresses and function pointers, effectively enabling arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level within the multimedia subsystem, making it particularly dangerous as it can bypass standard user-space protections and potentially escalate privileges. According to CWE classification, this represents a classic buffer overflow weakness categorized under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-4350 extends beyond simple application crashes to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability without requiring local access, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where users may inadvertently encounter malicious MIDI files through email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing platforms. The potential for denial of service attacks means that legitimate users could experience system instability or complete application failures, while the arbitrary code execution capability opens pathways for persistent malware deployment. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the use of scripting languages, and T1203, which addresses legitimate user applications and systems for defense evasion. The attack surface includes any application or service that processes MIDI files through the affected QT Media Foundation component.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4350 primarily focus on immediate system updates and administrative controls. Apple addressed this vulnerability through the release of macOS 10.9.5, which includes patched versions of the QT Media Foundation library with proper bounds checking mechanisms. Organizations should prioritize deployment of this security update across all affected systems and implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additional protective measures include implementing strict file validation policies for MIDI files, deploying sandboxing technologies to limit the impact of potential exploitation, and configuring email filters to block suspicious MIDI file attachments. Security professionals should also consider implementing application whitelisting controls that restrict execution of untrusted multimedia files, particularly in high-risk environments. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping multimedia processing libraries updated and demonstrates how seemingly benign file formats can become attack vectors when processing components contain memory safety flaws.