CVE-2010-0116 in RealPlayer SP
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in RealNetworks RealPlayer 11.0 through 11.1 and RealPlayer SP 1.0 through 1.1.4 on Windows might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted QCP file that triggers a heap-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0116 represents a critical integer overflow flaw affecting RealNetworks RealPlayer versions 11.0 through 11.1 and RealPlayer SP versions 1.0 through 1.1.4 on Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability resides in the media processing engine responsible for handling QCP (QuickCodec Player) files, which are audio formats commonly used in mobile communications and streaming applications. The flaw manifests when the application processes malformed QCP files that contain specially crafted integer values designed to trigger unexpected behavior in the memory management subsystem.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves an integer overflow condition that occurs during the parsing of QCP file headers and metadata structures. When the RealPlayer application encounters a crafted QCP file with manipulated integer values, it fails to properly validate the size parameters before allocating memory buffers. This oversight allows attackers to manipulate the integer arithmetic in such a way that the calculated buffer size becomes significantly larger than intended, resulting in a heap-based buffer overflow condition. The overflow occurs when the application attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory structures including function pointers, return addresses, or other critical program state information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and directly enables remote code execution capabilities for malicious actors. An attacker who successfully crafts a malicious QCP file can exploit this vulnerability by delivering the file through various attack vectors including email attachments, malicious websites, or instant messaging systems. When a victim opens the malicious file with the vulnerable RealPlayer version, the integer overflow triggers a buffer overflow that can be leveraged to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of the RealPlayer process. This code execution can potentially escalate privileges, install malware, or establish persistent access to the compromised system, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where RealPlayer may be widely deployed.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions that can lead to buffer overflows and subsequent code execution. The attack pattern follows typical exploit methodologies described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under techniques such as T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. The vulnerability demonstrates the classic exploitation pattern where an input validation flaw in media processing software creates an avenue for remote code execution through memory corruption. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected RealPlayer versions, as the vulnerability has been widely exploited in the wild and represents a significant risk to system integrity and user security. Additional mitigations include implementing application whitelisting policies, disabling RealPlayer in enterprise environments where possible, and monitoring for suspicious QCP file activity through network traffic analysis and endpoint detection systems.