CVE-2012-0923 in RealPlayer
Summary
by MITRE
The RV20 codec in RealNetworks RealPlayer 11.x, 14.x, and 15.x before 15.02.71, and RealPlayer SP 1.0 through 1.1.5, does not properly handle the frame size array, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted RV20 RealVideo video stream.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0923 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the RV20 codec implementation of RealNetworks RealPlayer software. This security weakness affects multiple versions of the media player including 11.x, 14.x, and 15.x series prior to specific patch releases, as well as RealPlayer SP 1.0 through 1.1.5 versions. The flaw specifically manifests in how the software processes frame size arrays during video decoding operations, creating a pathway for malicious code execution through specially crafted video content.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the RV20 codec parser. When processing maliciously constructed RealVideo streams, the software fails to adequately validate the frame size array parameters, allowing an attacker to manipulate memory layout through crafted data structures. This memory corruption occurs during the decoding process where the application attempts to allocate buffers based on potentially malicious frame size values. The vulnerability falls under CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient validation of length fields, and more broadly aligns with CWE-125, concerning out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant threat to users who may inadvertently encounter malicious video content through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or compromised websites. The remote execution capability means that attackers can exploit this flaw without requiring local access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently access untrusted web content. The attack surface expands when considering that RealPlayer was widely distributed and used across various platforms, increasing potential impact. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1203, which covers Exploitation for Client Execution, and T1059, covering Command and Scripting Interpreter, as the successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise.
The remediation strategy for CVE-2012-0923 requires immediate patch application to all affected RealPlayer versions, with particular emphasis on updating to RealPlayer 15.02.71 or later releases. Organizations should implement network-based controls such as content filtering and web application firewalls to prevent access to potentially malicious video content. Additionally, user education regarding safe browsing practices and the importance of keeping media software updated remains crucial. Security teams should consider implementing sandboxing techniques for media processing and monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. System administrators should also review and update their vulnerability management processes to ensure rapid deployment of security patches across all affected systems within their environments.