CVE-2017-9123 in libquicktime
Summary
by MITRE
The lqt_frame_duration function in lqt_quicktime.c in libquicktime 1.2.4 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (invalid memory read and application crash) via a crafted mp4 file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9123 resides within the libquicktime library version 1.2.4, specifically in the lqt_frame_duration function located in the lqt_quicktime.c source file. This issue represents a classic buffer over-read condition that manifests when processing maliciously crafted mp4 media files. The flaw occurs during the parsing of QuickTime container format files where the application fails to properly validate frame duration parameters before attempting to access memory locations. Such improper input validation creates an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the parsing logic through carefully constructed media file structures that trigger invalid memory access patterns.
The technical execution of this vulnerability involves a remote attacker who can craft an mp4 file containing malformed frame duration data that, when processed by software utilizing libquicktime, causes the application to attempt reading from memory locations outside the bounds of allocated buffers. This invalid memory read results in a segmentation fault or similar memory access violation that terminates the application process. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and can be categorized under the broader ATT&CK technique T1499.3 for network denial of service attacks. The flaw is particularly concerning because it operates at the media parsing layer where applications frequently process untrusted input from network sources, making it a prime target for exploitation in web-based or streaming environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes, as it enables attackers to perform remote denial of service attacks against systems that rely on libquicktime for media processing. This includes multimedia applications, content management systems, streaming servers, and any software that handles mp4 file formats through the affected library. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where media files are frequently downloaded or streamed from untrusted sources. The vulnerability affects not only end-user applications but also server-side components that process uploaded media files, potentially creating cascading failures in content delivery networks or media processing pipelines.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9123 should prioritize immediate patching of affected libquicktime installations to version 1.2.5 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the frame duration parsing logic. Organizations should implement input validation measures at the application level to sanitize media file parameters before passing them to libquicktime functions, particularly when processing untrusted content from external sources. Network-based defenses can include implementing media file filtering rules that reject mp4 files with suspicious frame duration parameters or employing sandboxing techniques to isolate media processing components. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual application crash patterns or memory access violations that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date multimedia libraries and implementing proper input validation practices as recommended by security frameworks such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Special Publication 800-163 on secure software development practices.