CVE-2004-1798 in RealOne Player
Summary
by MITRE
RealOne player 6.0.11.868 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary script in the "My Computer" zone via a Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language (SMIL) presentation with a "file:javascript:" URL, which is executed in the security context of the previously loaded URL, a different vulnerability than CVE-2003-0726.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1798 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in RealOne Player version 6.0.11.868 that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the security context of the previously loaded URL. This vulnerability specifically affects the handling of Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language presentations and exploits a flaw in how the media player processes file:javascript: URLs. The security context of the previously loaded URL becomes the execution environment for malicious scripts, creating a dangerous privilege escalation scenario that bypasses standard security boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the RealOne Player's SMIL parser. When processing a SMIL presentation containing a file:javascript: URL, the player fails to properly isolate or validate the script content, allowing attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that executes with the privileges and security context of the previously loaded URL. This behavior creates a sandbox escape condition where the security boundaries between different zones are violated, enabling attackers to potentially access sensitive data or perform unauthorized operations that would normally be restricted.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to users who may unknowingly open malicious SMIL files or visit compromised websites that serve such content. The attack vector typically involves tricking users into opening a specially crafted SMIL presentation that contains embedded JavaScript code, which then executes in the context of their current browsing session. The impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can potentially lead to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent backdoors, particularly when combined with other vulnerabilities or when users have elevated privileges.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 Cross-site Scripting and follows patterns similar to those documented in the ATT&CK framework under TA0002 Execution and TA0004 Privilege Escalation. The attack chain typically begins with initial access through malicious content delivery, followed by code execution within the browser's security context, and potentially escalating privileges through exploitation of the security boundary violations. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in the context of broader web application security practices and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place to address such client-side vulnerabilities that can be exploited through social engineering or automated delivery mechanisms.
The remediation approach for CVE-2004-1798 requires immediate patching of RealOne Player installations to versions that properly validate and sanitize SMIL content, particularly file:javascript: URLs. System administrators should implement network-based protections such as content filtering and web application firewalls to block malicious SMIL content at the network perimeter. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the dangers of opening unknown or untrusted media files, and organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of vulnerable media players unless explicitly authorized. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper security context management in media players and the need for robust input validation mechanisms that prevent script injection attacks across different security zones.