CVE-2015-3663 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
QT Media Foundation in Apple QuickTime before 7.7.7, as used in OS X before 10.10.4 and other products, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted file, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-3661, CVE-2015-3662, CVE-2015-3666, CVE-2015-3667, and CVE-2015-3668.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-3663 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Apple QuickTime's QT Media Foundation component, affecting versions prior to 7.7.7 across macOS systems before version 10.10.4. This vulnerability resides in the media processing framework that handles various multimedia file formats and presents a significant threat to system security and stability. The flaw manifests when the affected QuickTime component processes specially crafted media files, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or denial of service conditions that can compromise the entire operating system.
Technical analysis reveals that this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory handling within the QT Media Foundation module, which is responsible for parsing and rendering multimedia content. The memory corruption occurs during the parsing of malformed media files, where insufficient bounds checking and buffer overflow protections allow attackers to manipulate memory structures. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios. The flaw operates through a classic remote code execution vector where an attacker can craft malicious media files that, when opened by an affected QuickTime version, trigger the memory corruption and subsequent privilege escalation.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-3663 extends beyond simple system instability, as it provides attackers with potential pathways for complete system compromise. When exploited, this vulnerability can enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user, potentially leading to full system takeover. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers can deliver malicious media content through various channels including email attachments, web downloads, or malicious websites without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond opening the compromised file. This makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently encounter malicious content. The vulnerability's classification under the broader ATT&CK framework would fall into the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, specifically through the use of QuickTime's media processing capabilities to execute malicious payloads.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-3663 primarily focus on immediate software updates and system hardening measures. Organizations should prioritize installing Apple's security patches that update QuickTime to version 7.7.7 or later, which contain the necessary fixes for the memory corruption issues. Additionally, implementing content filtering mechanisms that scan and validate media file attachments can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Network administrators should consider disabling QuickTime plugins in web browsers and restricting user access to potentially malicious file types. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date media processing components and following secure coding practices that include proper input validation, memory bounds checking, and robust error handling. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual QuickTime process behavior and memory allocation patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, as this vulnerability can be used as part of broader attack campaigns targeting macOS systems.