CVE-2010-4393 in RealPlayer
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in vidplin.dll in RealNetworks RealPlayer 11.0 through 11.1 and 14.0.x before 14.0.2, and RealPlayer SP 1.0 through 1.1.5, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted header in an AVI file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4393 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw within the vidplin.dll component of RealNetworks RealPlayer software. This vulnerability affects multiple versions including RealPlayer 11.0 through 11.1, 14.0.x prior to 14.0.2, and RealPlayer SP 1.0 through 1.1.5, making it a widespread issue across the RealPlayer product line. The flaw specifically manifests when processing AVI files with crafted headers, creating a dangerous condition that can be exploited by remote attackers to gain arbitrary code execution capabilities. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121 Heap-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue in software development practices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the video processing pipeline of RealPlayer where the vidplin.dll library fails to properly validate the length of header fields in AVI file structures. When a maliciously crafted AVI file is processed, the library attempts to copy data into a heap-allocated buffer without adequate bounds checking, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for code execution. The heap-based nature of this overflow means that the attacker can overwrite adjacent memory locations including function pointers, return addresses, or other critical program state information. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered remotely through web-based attacks or email attachments, requiring no local user interaction beyond opening the malicious file.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-4393 extends beyond simple code execution as it provides attackers with a complete remote compromise capability against vulnerable systems. This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution and T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers can leverage the arbitrary code execution to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malware. The vulnerability affects systems where RealPlayer is installed and configured to automatically process media files, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may unknowingly open malicious attachments or visit compromised websites. Organizations running affected versions of RealPlayer are at significant risk of being compromised, as the vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including web browsers, email clients, or file sharing systems that utilize RealPlayer for media playback.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4393 require immediate action including patching to version 14.0.2 or later of RealPlayer, which contains the necessary fixes to prevent the buffer overflow condition. System administrators should also implement network-based controls such as content filtering to block suspicious AVI files and disable automatic playback of media content in web browsers. Additional defensive measures include restricting user permissions when processing media files, implementing application whitelisting to prevent execution of vulnerable RealPlayer versions, and conducting regular security assessments to identify systems running outdated software. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive incident response procedures to address potential compromises.