CVE-2011-10027 in AOL
Summary
by MITRE • 08/20/2025
AOL Desktop 9.6 contains a buffer overflow vulnerability in its Tool\rich.rct component when parsing .rtx files. By embedding an overly long string in a hyperlink tag, an attacker can trigger a stack-based buffer overflow due to the use of unsafe strcpy operations. This allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code when a victim opens a malicious .rtx file. AOL Desktop is end-of-life and no longer supported. Users are encouraged to migrate to AOL Desktop Gold or alternative platforms.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-10027 resides within AOL Desktop 9.6's Toolich.rct component, specifically when processing .rtx files that contain hyperlink tags. This represents a classic stack-based buffer overflow condition that arises from improper input validation and the use of unsafe string handling functions. The flaw manifests when an attacker crafts a malicious .rtx file containing an excessively long string within a hyperlink tag, which then gets processed through vulnerable strcpy operations. The buffer overflow occurs because the application fails to properly bounds-check the input data before copying it into fixed-size memory buffers, creating an opportunity for arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a remote code execution vector that can be exploited through social engineering tactics. Attackers need only convince a victim to open a maliciously crafted .rtx file, which could be delivered through various attack vectors including email attachments, malicious websites, or compromised file sharing platforms. The exploitation process leverages the inherent weakness in the Toolich.rct component's string handling, where the unsafe strcpy function copies data without verifying that the destination buffer can accommodate the source data. This allows attackers to overwrite return addresses and other critical memory structures, potentially enabling them to inject and execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected application. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves the use of malicious files to execute code on target systems.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires immediate migration away from the unsupported AOL Desktop 9.6 platform, as no official patches or updates exist for this end-of-life software. Organizations and individuals should transition to AOL Desktop Gold or alternative communication platforms that receive regular security updates and support. Security controls should include email filtering and web content filtering to prevent users from accessing potentially malicious .rtx files, along with user education about the risks of opening untrusted files. Network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious file access patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software and the dangers of continuing to use unsupported applications that no longer receive security patches. Legacy software systems present ongoing security risks that cannot be adequately addressed through traditional security controls alone, making migration to supported platforms the most effective long-term solution.