CVE-2011-4262 in RealPlayer
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in RealNetworks RealPlayer before 15.0.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted MP4 file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4262 represents a critical security flaw in RealNetworks RealPlayer software versions prior to 15.0.0, classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-119 Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer. This vulnerability exists within the media processing component of the RealPlayer application, specifically when handling MP4 video files. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices during the parsing of multimedia content, creating a potential exploitation vector for remote attackers seeking to execute arbitrary code on affected systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted MP4 file that exploits buffer overflow conditions within the RealPlayer media parser. When the vulnerable application attempts to process the maliciously constructed media file, it fails to properly validate the file structure and content boundaries, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged by attackers to inject and execute malicious code. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework category of Execution through the use of malicious file formats that exploit application-specific parsing flaws. The attack requires no special privileges to initiate, as the vulnerability exists within the application's legitimate file processing functionality.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-4262 extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and persistent access for attackers. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can deliver malicious MP4 files through various vectors including email attachments, malicious websites, or peer-to-peer networks without requiring physical access to target systems. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently download and open malicious media files. The affected RealPlayer versions were widely distributed across multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms, amplifying the potential attack surface and impact scope.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch deployment to update RealPlayer to version 15.0.0 or later, which contains the necessary code fixes and input validation improvements. Organizations should implement network-based controls such as content filtering and malware scanning to prevent the delivery of malicious MP4 files to user systems. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of opening unknown or untrusted media files remains crucial, as social engineering remains a common delivery method for such exploits. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of unauthorized media players and enforce the use of updated and patched media processing software. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date media applications and the potential for legacy software to harbor dangerous security flaws that can be exploited remotely.