CVE-2015-5751 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-2015-3789, CVE-2015-3790, CVE-2015-3791, CVE-2015-3792, 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 issues affecting the same software ecosystem, including CVE-2015-3765 through CVE-2015-5779, which underscores the complexity and widespread nature of the security concerns within Apple's QuickTime implementation. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of malformed media files within the QuickTime framework, specifically in how the software processes certain data structures during media parsing operations. This memory corruption issue manifests when QuickTime encounters specially crafted files that contain malformed or oversized data elements that exceed the bounds of allocated memory buffers. The flaw operates at the core level of the QuickTime media processing engine, where insufficient input validation and boundary checking mechanisms allow attackers to manipulate memory layout and execution flow. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and potentially CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations that can lead to memory corruption. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise through arbitrary code execution, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may unknowingly open malicious media files from untrusted sources. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through various delivery mechanisms including email attachments, web downloads, or malicious websites that serve crafted QuickTime media files. The memory corruption occurs during the parsing of media headers and metadata, where QuickTime fails to properly validate the size and structure of incoming data before attempting to process it. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploitation of remote services, and T1059, covering command and scripting interpreter usage, as successful exploitation can lead to persistent access and further system compromise. The vulnerability affects all versions of Apple OS X prior to 10.10.5, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of older operating systems in enterprise environments. The root cause lies in the lack of proper bounds checking within the QuickTime parsing routines, specifically in how the software handles variable-length data structures and buffer allocation. When QuickTime processes a crafted file, it attempts to allocate memory based on malformed size parameters contained within the media file, leading to buffer overflows or underflows that corrupt adjacent memory regions. This memory corruption can overwrite critical program variables, function pointers, or return addresses, ultimately allowing attackers to redirect program execution flow to malicious code. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is significantly enhanced because QuickTime is often invoked automatically when users open media files, making user interaction minimal or even invisible to the end user. Organizations should note that this vulnerability can be exploited through multiple vectors including web-based attacks, file sharing systems, and email attachments, making traditional network security measures insufficient for complete protection. The fix for this vulnerability required Apple to implement proper bounds checking and input validation within the QuickTime media processing engine, ensuring that all data elements are properly validated before memory allocation occurs. This remediation aligns with fundamental security practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines, emphasizing the importance of input validation and memory safety in preventing such exploitation scenarios. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems to prevent potential compromise, as the vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring user interaction beyond opening a malicious file. The presence of multiple related vulnerabilities in the same software ecosystem suggests that Apple's QuickTime implementation suffered from systemic security weaknesses that required comprehensive code review and remediation efforts to address effectively.