CVE-2002-0415 in RealPlayer
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the web server used in RealPlayer 6.0.7, and possibly other versions, may allow local users to read files that are accessible to RealPlayer via a .. (dot dot) in an HTTP GET request to port 1275.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0415 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the web server component of RealPlayer 6.0.7 and potentially other versions of the software. This security weakness stems from insufficient input validation in the HTTP request processing mechanism, specifically when handling GET requests directed at port 1275. The vulnerability operates by exploiting the absence of proper path validation checks that would normally prevent malicious users from navigating beyond the intended directory structure. When a local attacker crafts an HTTP GET request containing directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot), the web server fails to sanitize these inputs properly, allowing unauthorized access to files that should remain restricted to the application's designated access scope.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes directory traversal attacks as path traversal flaws that occur when applications fail to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input that contains directory path information. The flaw specifically manifests in the web server's handling of HTTP requests where the .. sequence is interpreted as a request to move up one directory level in the file system hierarchy. This allows attackers to access files that are normally protected within the application's directory structure, potentially exposing sensitive data, configuration files, or system resources that are accessible to the RealPlayer process. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the local privilege level, meaning that an attacker who can execute HTTP requests against the local port 1275 can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to files that are normally protected by the application's access controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable attackers to access sensitive files that may contain authentication credentials, system configuration details, or proprietary data. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it operates locally on the system where RealPlayer is installed, meaning that any user with access to the local network or the ability to send HTTP requests to port 1275 can exploit this weakness. This vulnerability can be leveraged by attackers to escalate privileges or gain deeper access to the system, as the information obtained through directory traversal can provide insights into the system's structure and potentially reveal additional attack vectors. The exploitation of this vulnerability can also contribute to broader security compromise scenarios, as attackers may use the discovered information to plan more sophisticated attacks against the system or network.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all HTTP requests received by the web server component. The most effective immediate solution involves updating to a patched version of RealPlayer that addresses the directory traversal flaw, as the vulnerability was likely resolved in subsequent releases through proper input validation mechanisms. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to prevent unauthorized access to port 1275 and consider disabling the web server component if it is not required for the application's functionality. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation ensures that even if an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, the damage remains limited to the scope of the application's access rights. The remediation approach should follow established security practices outlined in the ATT&CK framework, particularly focusing on privilege escalation and defense evasion techniques that attackers might employ when exploiting such directory traversal vulnerabilities.