CVE-2015-7092 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
Apple QuickTime before 7.7.9 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (heap-based buffer overflow and application crash) via a crafted TXXX frame within an ID3 tag in MP3 data in a movie file, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-7085, CVE-2015-7086, CVE-2015-7087, CVE-2015-7088, CVE-2015-7089, CVE-2015-7090, CVE-2015-7091, and CVE-2015-7117.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/02/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7092 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in Apple QuickTime media player software affecting versions prior to 7.7.9. This security flaw specifically targets the processing of ID3 metadata within MP3 files that are embedded within movie containers, creating a remote code execution vector that adversaries can leverage to compromise systems. The vulnerability manifests when QuickTime encounters a specially crafted TXXX frame within an ID3 tag structure, demonstrating the complex nature of multimedia file parsing where metadata handling can introduce unexpected security risks. The flaw operates at the intersection of multimedia processing and memory management, where improper bounds checking during the parsing of structured metadata leads to memory corruption that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a heap-based buffer overflow that occurs during the parsing of ID3 tags in MP3 files that are subsequently embedded within QuickTime movie files. When QuickTime processes the TXXX frame type within an ID3 tag, the application fails to properly validate the size of the data structure, allowing an attacker to craft a malformed frame that exceeds the allocated buffer space. This memory corruption can result in arbitrary code execution when the overflow overwrites critical memory locations or cause a denial of service through application crashes. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the context of legitimate media file processing, making it difficult to detect through traditional network monitoring or endpoint protection mechanisms. The flaw demonstrates how multimedia applications can become attack surfaces when they process untrusted data without proper input validation, aligning with common weakness patterns described in CWE-121 for heap-based buffer overflow conditions.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-7092 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass significant system compromise potential and availability disruption. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected user, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors within enterprise environments. The vulnerability affects both individual users and organizations that rely on QuickTime for media playback, particularly in environments where users may encounter malicious media files through email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing networks. The denial of service aspect of the vulnerability can also be exploited for availability attacks, where adversaries disrupt legitimate media playback services or cause system instability that impacts productivity. Organizations running vulnerable QuickTime versions face potential exposure to targeted attacks, especially in environments where media file handling is common, such as in entertainment, media production, or educational institutions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7092 primarily focus on immediate software updates and operational security measures. Apple released QuickTime 7.7.9 and later versions that address this vulnerability through proper bounds checking and memory management during ID3 tag processing. Organizations should implement immediate patch management procedures to upgrade all affected systems to patched versions of QuickTime. Network administrators should consider implementing media file filtering or sandboxing mechanisms to prevent automatic execution of potentially malicious media content, particularly in high-risk environments. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1203 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for execution through command and scripting interfaces, suggesting that defensive measures should include endpoint detection and response capabilities that monitor for suspicious memory access patterns and process behavior anomalies. Additionally, security teams should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running vulnerable QuickTime versions and implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.