CVE-2017-9124 in libquicktime
Summary
by MITRE
The quicktime_match_32 function in util.c in libquicktime 1.2.4 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference 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-2017-9124 resides within the libquicktime library version 1.2.4, specifically in the quicktime_match_32 function located in the util.c file. This flaw represents a classic null pointer dereference vulnerability that can be exploited remotely through maliciously crafted mp4 media files. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and error handling within the media parsing routine that processes mp4 container format structures. When a specially constructed mp4 file is processed by applications utilizing libquicktime, the quicktime_match_32 function attempts to dereference a null pointer, leading to an application crash and subsequent denial of service condition. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-476 category of NULL Pointer Dereference, which is a well-documented weakness in software security practices where programs fail to properly validate pointer values before using them. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no special privileges or local access, making it a remote code execution threat that can be exploited by attackers anywhere on the network.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the availability of applications that depend on libquicktime for media processing. Any software application that incorporates libquicktime for mp4 file handling, including media players, content management systems, and streaming platforms, becomes vulnerable to this attack. The denial of service condition affects not only the targeted application but can also impact broader network services if the vulnerable software is part of critical infrastructure or enterprise systems. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform persistent availability attacks against media processing services, potentially causing cascading failures in systems that rely on smooth media handling operations. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in defensive programming practices where proper error handling and input sanitization mechanisms are missing or insufficiently implemented.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9124 should focus on immediate patching of the affected libquicktime library to version 1.2.5 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the null pointer dereference issue. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems and applications that utilize libquicktime, particularly those handling user-uploaded or externally sourced mp4 files. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable systems to untrusted networks or users. Additionally, implementing input validation measures that filter or reject suspicious mp4 files before processing can provide an additional layer of defense. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual application crash patterns or service disruptions that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for Network Denial of Service and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, highlighting the need for both defensive and detection capabilities. Regular security updates and vulnerability management processes should be strengthened to prevent similar issues in other multimedia libraries and components that handle rich media formats, as the underlying problem reflects a broader pattern of insufficient input validation in multimedia processing software.