CVE-2017-9128 in libquicktime
Summary
by MITRE
The quicktime_video_width function in lqt_quicktime.c in libquicktime 1.2.4 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (heap-based buffer over-read and application crash) via a crafted mp4 file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9128 resides within the libquicktime library version 1.2.4, specifically in the quicktime_video_width function located in the lqt_quicktime.c source 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 containers that contain maliciously constructed metadata or frame dimensions that exceed allocated memory boundaries during parsing operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory boundary checking within the video parsing logic. When the quicktime_video_width function encounters a crafted mp4 file, it fails to properly validate the dimensions or size parameters embedded in the video stream headers. This deficiency allows the function to attempt reading memory locations beyond the allocated heap buffer, resulting in undefined behavior that typically culminates in application crashes or complete denial of service conditions. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of improper input validation and memory safety issues, aligning with CWE-125 which describes out-of-bounds read conditions and CWE-787 which addresses out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability, as it creates significant risks for systems that rely on libquicktime for media processing. Attackers can leverage this flaw to remotely disrupt services that utilize the library, potentially affecting media servers, content management systems, or any application that processes mp4 video files. The remote attack vector means that victims need not be physically present or require special privileges to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in web-facing applications or media processing pipelines. The denial of service condition can persist until the affected application is restarted, potentially allowing attackers to maintain service disruption for extended periods or as a component of larger attack campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9128 should prioritize immediate patching of the libquicktime library to version 1.2.5 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer over-read condition. Organizations should also implement input validation measures that filter or sanitize mp4 files before processing them through vulnerable applications. Network-based mitigations could include implementing content filtering rules that restrict or block suspicious media file types, while application-level protections might involve memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to the T1499.004 technique related to network denial of service, and the T1059.007 technique involving command and scripting interpreter for execution. System administrators should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect unusual application crash patterns or memory access violations that may indicate exploitation attempts.