CVE-2016-4601 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
QuickTime in Apple OS X before 10.11.6 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted SGI image.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-4601 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Apple's QuickTime media framework affecting operating systems prior to version 10.11.6. This vulnerability resides in the handling of SGI image format files, which are commonly used for high dynamic range imaging and scientific data visualization. The flaw manifests when QuickTime processes malformed SGI image files, creating opportunities for remote attackers to exploit the system through carefully crafted malicious content. The vulnerability falls under the category of heap-based buffer overflows as defined by CWE-122, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory regions. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can lead to arbitrary code execution when the corrupted memory is subsequently accessed by the application. The SGI image format parsing code within QuickTime lacks proper validation of file headers and data structures, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially execute malicious payloads.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides attackers with the capability to gain unauthorized code execution privileges on affected systems. When a user opens or previews a maliciously crafted SGI image file, the QuickTime component attempts to parse the file structure without adequate input sanitization. This parsing process leads to memory corruption that can be exploited through various attack vectors including web browsing, email attachments, or file sharing scenarios. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-787, which describes out-of-bounds writes, where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations. This memory corruption can potentially overwrite critical program structures such as function pointers or return addresses, enabling attackers to redirect program execution flow. The attack surface is particularly broad since QuickTime is integrated into the default OS X environment and supports numerous file formats, making it a prime target for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-4601 require immediate system updates to Apple OS X version 10.11.6 or later, which contain patches addressing the memory corruption issues in the SGI image parser. Organizations should implement network-based controls such as content filtering and web application firewalls to block potentially malicious SGI image files from reaching end users. Additionally, security teams should consider disabling QuickTime support for web browsers and email clients where possible, as these are common attack vectors for exploiting such vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include comprehensive vulnerability scanning to identify systems running affected versions of QuickTime, followed by systematic patch deployment across all endpoints. According to ATT&CK framework domain T1203, adversaries may leverage such vulnerabilities to gain initial access or persistence, making it crucial for security operations to monitor for exploitation attempts. System administrators should also implement monitoring for unusual memory access patterns or process behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on QuickTime-related processes and their memory allocation patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and demonstrates how legacy media frameworks can present persistent security risks when not properly maintained.