CVE-2015-3789 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
QuickTime 7 in Apple OS X before 10.10.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption and application crash) via a crafted file, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-3765, CVE-2015-3779, CVE-2015-3788, CVE-2015-3790, CVE-2015-3791, CVE-2015-3792, CVE-2015-5751, CVE-2015-5753, and CVE-2015-5779.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2022
QuickTime 7 in Apple OS X versions prior to 10.10.5 contains a critical memory corruption vulnerability that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service conditions through the exploitation of a crafted file. This vulnerability represents a distinct security flaw from several other related vulnerabilities in the same timeframe, specifically excluding CVE-2015-3765, CVE-2015-3779, CVE-2015-3788, CVE-2015-3790, CVE-2015-3791, CVE-2015-3792, CVE-2015-5751, CVE-2015-5753, and CVE-2015-5779, indicating that this represents a unique code path within the QuickTime media handling subsystem. The technical flaw manifests as improper memory handling during the processing of maliciously crafted media files, leading to buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions that can be leveraged by attackers to gain unauthorized code execution privileges within the context of the affected application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise through arbitrary code execution capabilities. Attackers can craft specially formatted media files that, when opened by QuickTime 7, trigger memory corruption that allows them to execute malicious code with the privileges of the QuickTime process. This vulnerability affects the broader Apple ecosystem since QuickTime 7 was widely distributed and enabled by default on many Apple operating systems, making it a prime target for exploitation in targeted attacks. The memory corruption issues typically occur during parsing of media file headers or metadata sections, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite critical memory structures that control program execution flow.
Security researchers have classified this vulnerability according to CWE standards, with the underlying technical flaw mapping to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and potentially CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read conditions. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it can be triggered through various media file formats that QuickTime 7 supports, including but not limited to mov, mp4, and aif files. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically through the use of PowerShell or similar scripting environments that might be invoked through the compromised QuickTime process. The vulnerability also aligns with T1068, which describes exploit for privilege escalation, as successful exploitation could provide attackers with elevated privileges within the operating system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates to Apple OS X version 10.10.5 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the memory corruption issues. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly, particularly in enterprise environments where multiple devices may be running vulnerable versions of QuickTime. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of QuickTime 7 on systems where it is not essential, disabling QuickTime components in web browsers, and monitoring for suspicious file downloads or execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network-level defenses should include content filtering mechanisms that scan media files for known malicious patterns, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted media content through email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing platforms. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify anomalous behavior patterns consistent with memory corruption exploitation attempts, as these systems can provide early warning of potential compromise attempts.