CVE-2011-2954 in RealPlayer
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in the AutoUpdate feature in RealNetworks RealPlayer 11.0 through 11.1 and 14.0.0 through 14.0.5 and RealPlayer SP 1.0 through 1.1.5, when an Embedded RealPlayer is used, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2021
The CVE-2011-2954 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw within the AutoUpdate functionality of RealNetworks RealPlayer software across multiple versions. This vulnerability specifically affects RealPlayer versions 11.0 through 11.1, 14.0.0 through 14.0.5, and RealPlayer SP versions 1.0 through 1.1.5 when operating in embedded mode. The flaw manifests when the application processes automatic update mechanisms, creating a scenario where memory allocated to objects becomes accessible after the object has been freed, leading to potential code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely through unspecified attack vectors, making it accessible to threat actors without requiring local system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the AutoUpdate component of RealPlayer. When the application processes update requests and subsequently frees memory associated with update objects, the system fails to properly invalidate references to these freed memory locations. This use-after-free condition creates a memory corruption vulnerability that attackers can leverage to manipulate program execution flow. The embedded RealPlayer context amplifies the risk as it allows malicious content to be delivered through web browsers or other embedded environments, bypassing traditional security boundaries. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-416 which specifically addresses use of freed memory conditions in software applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-2954 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data theft capabilities. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can gain arbitrary code execution privileges on vulnerable systems, potentially allowing them to install malware, modify system configurations, or establish persistent backdoors. The embedded nature of the vulnerability means that successful exploitation can occur through web-based attacks, making it particularly dangerous for end users who may inadvertently visit compromised websites. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and script interpreter execution, as attackers can leverage the executed code to perform further malicious activities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected RealPlayer versions, as RealNetworks released updates specifically addressing the use-after-free condition. System administrators should implement network segmentation to limit exposure and deploy web application firewalls to filter potentially malicious content. Endpoint protection solutions should be configured to monitor for suspicious AutoUpdate behavior and memory access patterns. Organizations should also consider disabling embedded RealPlayer functionality where possible and implementing strict browser security policies. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management practices and highlights the critical need for regular security updates, particularly for multimedia applications that frequently process external content. Additionally, security monitoring should focus on detecting anomalous network traffic patterns associated with update requests and memory corruption indicators that may precede exploitation attempts.