CVE-2005-0190 in RealPlayer
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in RealPlayer 10.5 (6.0.12.1040) and earlier allows remote attackers to delete arbitrary files via a Real Metadata Packages (RMP) file with a FILENAME tag containing .. (dot dot) sequences in a filename that ends with a ? (question mark) and an allowed file extension (e.g. .mp3), which bypasses the check for the file extension.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-0190 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within RealPlayer 10.5 and earlier versions that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary file deletion operations. This security weakness specifically affects the handling of Real Metadata Packages (RMP) files, which are used to store metadata information for real-time media content. The flaw exists in the application's file validation and path resolution mechanisms, where insufficient input sanitization allows malicious actors to manipulate file paths through carefully crafted RMP files containing FILENAME tags with .. (dot dot) sequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the improper validation of file extensions and path components within the RMP file parsing logic. When RealPlayer processes an RMP file containing a FILENAME tag with directory traversal sequences followed by a question mark and a valid file extension such as .mp3, the application fails to properly validate the constructed file path. This bypasses the intended file extension checks that should prevent deletion of files outside of allowed directories, effectively allowing attackers to navigate the file system beyond the intended boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file deletion to encompass potential system compromise and data destruction. Attackers can leverage this weakness to remove critical system files, configuration data, or user content from the target system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates remotely without requiring user interaction, making it suitable for automated exploitation campaigns. The bypass of file extension validation creates a scenario where attackers can manipulate the application into performing destructive operations on arbitrary files regardless of their location within the file system hierarchy.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw demonstrates how insufficient input validation and inadequate path resolution checks can create security holes that allow attackers to manipulate file system operations beyond intended boundaries. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, where attackers can execute destructive commands through manipulated file operations, and T1486 for Data Encrypted for Ransomware, as the ability to delete arbitrary files can contribute to broader data destruction campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected RealPlayer versions to address the directory traversal flaw in RMP file processing. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to systems running RealPlayer, particularly in environments where the application is not essential for business operations. Additionally, deploying web application firewalls and implementing strict file access controls can help prevent exploitation attempts. The most effective remediation involves upgrading to patched versions of RealPlayer that properly validate file paths and implement robust input sanitization for all file operations, ensuring that directory traversal sequences are properly rejected regardless of file extension or other path components present in the input data.