CVE-2004-0273 in RealOne Player
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in RealOne Player, RealOne Player 2.0, and RealOne Enterprise Desktop allows remote attackers to upload arbitrary files via an RMP file that contains .. (dot dot) sequences in a .rjs skin file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0273 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within RealOne Player software versions including RealOne Player 2.0 and RealOne Enterprise Desktop. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the software's handling of RMP (Real Media Player) files, specifically when processing .rjs skin files that contain malicious .. (dot dot) sequences. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate file paths and potentially execute arbitrary file upload operations, creating significant security risks for affected systems. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22, which specifically addresses "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')", a fundamental weakness that has plagued numerous media players and file processing applications throughout the years.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of RMP file structures where attackers can embed directory traversal sequences within .rjs skin files. When the vulnerable RealOne Player software processes these maliciously crafted files, it fails to properly sanitize the path references contained within the dot dot sequences, allowing the software to traverse directories beyond its intended scope. This improper path validation creates an opportunity for attackers to write files to arbitrary locations on the target system, potentially leading to unauthorized code execution, privilege escalation, or complete system compromise. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it can be initiated remotely through the delivery of malicious RMP files, making it an attractive target for remote exploitation campaigns.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-0273 extends beyond simple file manipulation, as successful exploitation can result in severe consequences for affected organizations. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can potentially install backdoors, modify system files, or execute malicious code with the privileges of the user running the RealOne Player application. The vulnerability's remote nature means that organizations are at risk regardless of their physical location or network segmentation, as a single malicious RMP file can compromise systems when opened by an unsuspecting user. This creates a significant risk for enterprise environments where media files may be shared across departments or downloaded from untrusted sources, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in corporate settings where RealOne Player might be widely deployed.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including disabling automatic playback of RMP files, implementing strict file type validation, and restricting user access to modify system directories. Security measures should focus on network-level controls such as implementing content filtering to block suspicious RMP files and ensuring that all systems running RealOne Player are patched with the latest security updates from RealNetworks. Additionally, user education regarding the dangers of opening untrusted media files and implementing application whitelisting policies can significantly reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1193, which involves the use of malicious files for initial access, and demonstrates how seemingly benign media applications can become vectors for sophisticated attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint protection solutions that can detect and block directory traversal attempts within media file processing applications to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other software components.