CVE-2017-9122 in libquicktime
Summary
by MITRE
The quicktime_read_moov function in moov.c in libquicktime 1.2.4 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (infinite loop and CPU consumption) via a crafted mp4 file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9122 represents a critical denial of service weakness within the libquicktime multimedia library version 1.2.4. This flaw specifically affects the quicktime_read_moov function located in the moov.c source file, which is responsible for parsing movie header data in mp4 container files. The issue arises from inadequate input validation and error handling mechanisms within the library's parsing routine, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted mp4 files can trigger unintended behavior in applications that utilize this library.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the function's failure to properly validate the structure and content of mp4 file metadata during the parsing process. When a specially crafted mp4 file is processed, the quicktime_read_moov function enters an infinite loop due to malformed data structures that cause the parser to continuously iterate through malformed data without proper termination conditions. This infinite loop results in sustained high CPU utilization, effectively consuming system resources and rendering the affected application or system unresponsive to legitimate requests. The vulnerability operates at the application level and can be exploited remotely through the delivery of malicious media files, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-9122 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise system availability and performance. Applications that depend on libquicktime for mp4 file processing become vulnerable to resource exhaustion attacks, where attackers can consume excessive CPU cycles and memory resources through carefully constructed malicious files. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in server environments, content delivery networks, and applications that process user-uploaded media files without proper sanitization. The attack vector requires no privileged access or complex exploitation techniques, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-835, which describes the weakness of an infinite loop or other unbounded repetition, and represents a classic example of how improper input validation can lead to resource exhaustion attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9122 primarily involve upgrading to a patched version of libquicktime that addresses the infinite loop condition in the quicktime_read_moov function. System administrators should implement immediate patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems are updated with the latest library versions that contain proper input validation and loop termination logic. Additionally, organizations should deploy content filtering mechanisms that scan and validate mp4 files before processing, implementing strict file format validation and size limits to prevent exploitation. Network-based security controls such as intrusion detection systems and web application firewalls can also be configured to detect and block suspicious mp4 file patterns. The remediation approach should follow established security practices including vulnerability assessment, risk analysis, and comprehensive testing of patched implementations to ensure the fix does not introduce regressions in legitimate functionality. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation and proper error handling in multimedia processing libraries, particularly those handling untrusted user input in networked environments.