CVE-2017-9125 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 (heap-based buffer over-read) via a crafted mp4 file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9125 resides within the libquicktime library version 1.2.4, specifically within the lqt_frame_duration function located in the lqt_quicktime.c file. This flaw represents a heap-based buffer over-read condition that can be exploited by remote attackers through the careful crafting of mp4 media files. The issue manifests when the library processes malformed video content that triggers an improper memory access pattern during frame duration calculation operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and boundary checking within the frame duration parsing logic. When a maliciously constructed mp4 file is processed by libquicktime, the lqt_frame_duration function attempts to read memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This heap-based over-read occurs because the library does not properly validate the size or structure of frame duration data within the mp4 container format, allowing an attacker to manipulate the parsing logic through crafted metadata fields.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant denial of service risks for systems that utilize libquicktime for media processing. Attackers can remotely trigger service disruption by uploading or transmitting specially crafted mp4 files that cause the target application to crash or behave unpredictably. The impact extends beyond simple application crashes as the heap corruption can potentially lead to more severe consequences including arbitrary code execution depending on the system's memory management and the specific application context where libquicktime is employed.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1203, specifically the use of malicious files to trigger system instability. Systems that rely on libquicktime for video processing, streaming platforms, content management systems, and media handling applications become vulnerable attack vectors when they process untrusted mp4 content without proper input sanitization. The remote exploitability of this flaw makes it particularly dangerous in web-facing applications where users can upload media files or when applications automatically process external video content.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate library updates to patched versions that address the buffer over-read condition. Organizations should implement strict input validation for all mp4 files processed through libquicktime, including size checking, format verification, and content sanitization routines. Additionally, deployment of network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious mp4 file patterns and implementing application sandboxing techniques can provide additional defense layers. Regular security auditing of media processing pipelines and maintaining up-to-date media libraries are essential practices to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.