CVE-2004-1416 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
pnxr3260.dll in the RealOne 2.0 build 6.0.11.868 browser plugin, as used in Internet Explorer, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted embed tag.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1416 affects the pnxr3260.dll component within the RealOne 2.0 browser plugin version 6.0.11.868, which is designed for internet explorer compatibility. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that enables remote attackers to manipulate the plugin through specifically crafted html embed tags, potentially leading to system compromise. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory handling within the plugin's implementation, creating opportunities for malicious actors to exploit the software through web-based attacks.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves buffer overflow conditions and improper memory management within the pnxr3260.dll library that processes multimedia content. When internet explorer encounters a maliciously crafted embed tag that references the vulnerable plugin, the plugin fails to properly validate or sanitize the input parameters before processing them. This lack of proper validation allows attackers to construct embed tags that trigger memory corruption issues within the plugin's execution environment, ultimately resulting in application crashes or potentially enabling arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability falls under the category of software defects that can be exploited through web-based attack vectors, aligning with common attack patterns documented in the attack tree framework.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-1416 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to include potential system compromise and unauthorized code execution. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability can cause internet explorer to crash and potentially allow attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the user running the browser. This represents a significant risk to enterprise environments where users may encounter malicious content through web browsing activities, email attachments, or compromised websites. The vulnerability affects the broader security posture by potentially providing attackers with persistent access to systems and enabling further exploitation through privilege escalation or lateral movement within networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the affected RealOne plugin version, as well as implementing browser security measures such as disabling active content or restricting plugin execution. Organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious embed tags, while also monitoring for exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory management in browser plugins, aligning with security best practices outlined in the software security development lifecycle. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other browser components and third-party plugins that may present comparable risks to system integrity and user safety.