CVE-2010-4395 in RealPlayer
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in RealNetworks RealPlayer 11.0 through 11.1, RealPlayer SP 1.0 through 1.1.5, and Linux RealPlayer 11.0.2.1744 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted conditional component in AAC frame data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4395 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow affecting multiple versions of RealNetworks RealPlayer software across different platforms. This flaw exists within the media player's handling of Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) frame data, specifically when processing crafted conditional components that trigger memory corruption during audio decoding operations. The vulnerability impacts RealPlayer versions 11.0 through 11.1, RealPlayer SP 1.0 through 1.1.5, and Linux RealPlayer 11.0.2.1744, making it a widespread issue affecting both desktop and server environments where these media players are deployed.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the AAC decoder component of RealPlayer. When the application encounters specially crafted AAC frame data containing malformed conditional components, the buffer overflow occurs in heap memory allocation routines. This flaw is classified as CWE-121 Heap-based Buffer Overflow, which falls under the broader category of memory safety issues that have historically been exploited for privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution. The overflow occurs because the application fails to validate the size of incoming data before copying it into fixed-size heap buffers, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory regions with malicious payload data.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-4395 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it enables remote code execution capabilities that align with ATT&CK technique T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution. Attackers can craft malicious media files or stream content that, when opened or played by an affected RealPlayer instance, triggers the buffer overflow condition. This vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including web-based delivery, email attachments, or peer-to-peer file sharing networks where users might unknowingly play compromised audio content. The exploitability of this vulnerability is particularly concerning given that RealPlayer was widely distributed and used across multiple operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS platforms, amplifying the potential attack surface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4395 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from RealNetworks, as the vendor released security updates specifically addressing this heap overflow condition. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to media playback capabilities and consider disabling automatic media playback in web browsers or applications that might trigger RealPlayer execution. Security controls should include network-based intrusion detection systems capable of identifying suspicious AAC frame patterns and endpoint protection measures that monitor for unusual memory allocation patterns. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of opening untrusted media files remains crucial, as social engineering remains a common delivery method for such exploits. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices, aligning with industry standards that emphasize defensive programming techniques to prevent heap corruption scenarios.