CVE-2007-2264 in RealPlayer
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in RealNetworks RealPlayer 8, 10, 10.1, and possibly 10.5; RealOne Player 1 and 2; and RealPlayer Enterprise allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a RAM (.ra or .ram) file with a large size value in the RA header.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2264 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw affecting multiple versions of RealNetworks RealPlayer software including RealPlayer 8, 10, 10.1, and potentially 10.5, along with RealOne Player 1 and 2, and RealPlayer Enterprise. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the parsing mechanism of RAM file format handling, specifically when processing the size field in the RA header structure. The flaw manifests when the software encounters a maliciously crafted RAM file containing an inflated size value that exceeds the allocated buffer boundaries during memory allocation operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the software's failure to properly validate the size parameter contained within the RA header of RAM files before attempting to allocate heap memory for the associated content. When a maliciously constructed RAM file is processed, the oversized size value causes the application to allocate insufficient memory for the expected data payload, resulting in a heap overflow condition. This overflow occurs because the software's memory allocation routine does not perform adequate bounds checking against the size field, allowing an attacker to manipulate the heap memory layout and potentially overwrite adjacent memory regions with malicious data.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant remote code execution risk that can be exploited by attackers who can deliver malicious RAM files to unsuspecting users. The attack vector requires the victim to open a specially crafted RAM file, which typically occurs through social engineering techniques such as email attachments, malicious websites, or compromised media sharing platforms. The successful exploitation of this vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or further network propagation. The vulnerability's impact extends across multiple RealNetworks products, creating a widespread attack surface that affects users running various versions of the RealPlayer software ecosystem.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and represents a classic example of improper input validation that violates secure coding principles. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to technique T1203, Exploitation for Client Execution, and T1059, Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers can leverage the remote code execution capability to establish persistent access and execute malicious payloads. The exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond opening the malicious file, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns and drive-by download scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2264 primarily involve immediate patching of affected RealPlayer versions through official RealNetworks security updates. System administrators should implement network-based controls to block or scan RAM file types, particularly when they originate from untrusted sources. The implementation of application whitelisting policies can prevent unauthorized execution of vulnerable RealPlayer versions, while regular security awareness training should educate users about the dangers of opening unknown or untrusted media files. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring should be employed to detect anomalous file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider disabling RealPlayer entirely if the software is not essential for business operations, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation of this vulnerability.