CVE-2010-4375 in RealPlayer
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in RealNetworks RealPlayer 11.0 through 11.1, Mac RealPlayer 11.0 through 11.1, Linux RealPlayer 11.0.2.1744, and possibly HelixPlayer 1.0.6 and other versions, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via malformed multi-rate data in an audio stream.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/06/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4375 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow affecting multiple versions of RealNetworks RealPlayer across different operating systems including Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms. This security flaw exists within the multimedia player's handling of audio stream data, specifically when processing multi-rate data formats that are commonly used in streaming media applications. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables remote code execution, allowing attackers to potentially take complete control of affected systems without requiring local access or user interaction beyond playing a malicious audio file.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the RealPlayer application's audio processing engine. When the player encounters malformed multi-rate data within an audio stream, the application fails to properly bounds-check the data before copying it into heap-allocated memory buffers. This improper memory handling creates a condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical program structures or injecting malicious code that executes with the privileges of the running RealPlayer process. The heap-based nature of the overflow means that the vulnerability can be exploited through carefully crafted audio files that manipulate memory layout and execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation as it affects a widely deployed media player that many users trust for legitimate media consumption. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through various attack vectors including malicious websites, email attachments, or peer-to-peer file sharing networks where audio files are commonly shared. The remote execution capability means that victims do not need to interact with suspicious content directly, as simply opening or playing a maliciously crafted audio file can trigger the exploit. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where RealPlayer is commonly installed, as it can serve as a vector for lateral movement within networks or as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks. The affected versions span multiple product lines including RealPlayer 11.0 through 11.1 across platforms and even HelixPlayer 1.0.6, indicating this was a widespread issue affecting the entire RealNetworks media ecosystem.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, Heap-based Buffer Overflow, and represents a classic example of how multimedia applications can become attack surfaces when proper memory management practices are not implemented. The attack pattern follows typical remote code execution vectors documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under techniques such as T1059 for command and script execution, where the initial compromise leads to full system control. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including disabling RealPlayer functionality, applying vendor patches when available, and implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of exploitation. Additionally, security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual network traffic patterns associated with media file downloads and playback activities, as these may indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability. The long-term recommendation involves migrating away from legacy media players to more secure, actively maintained alternatives that follow modern security practices and have robust memory safety mechanisms in place to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future.