CVE-2010-4235 in Helix Server
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in RealNetworks Helix Server 12.x, 13.x, and 14.x before 14.2, and Helix Mobile Server 12.x, 13.x, and 14.x before 14.2, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via vectors related to the x-wap-profile HTTP header.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4235 represents a critical format string vulnerability affecting RealNetworks Helix Server and Helix Mobile Server versions 12.x through 14.x prior to 14.2. This flaw exists within the handling of HTTP headers, specifically the x-wap-profile header, which is commonly used in mobile web applications to provide device-specific information. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data within the server's processing pipeline, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate memory structures through crafted format specifiers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the server processes the x-wap-profile HTTP header without adequate sanitization of format specifiers. Attackers can craft malicious HTTP requests containing specially formatted strings that contain format specifiers such as %s, %d, or %x, which are then processed by the vulnerable server application. When these format specifiers are interpreted by the server's printf-like functions, they can cause the application to read or write data from unintended memory locations, potentially leading to stack corruption, information disclosure, or arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-134 as "Use of Externally-Controlled Format String" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and T1059 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter" when executing malicious payloads.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to gain full control over the affected server instances. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to inject malicious code, escalate privileges, or establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects both desktop and mobile server implementations, amplifying the attack surface and potential impact across various deployment scenarios. Organizations using these older versions of RealNetworks Helix Server face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches, particularly in environments where these servers handle sensitive multimedia content or user data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4235 primarily involve immediate patching of affected systems to the latest available versions that contain proper input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable servers to untrusted networks, while also deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious HTTP header patterns. Additionally, security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected software within their infrastructure, and implement proper input validation mechanisms that prevent format string vulnerabilities from occurring in the first place. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patches to ensure compatibility with existing server configurations and business applications.