CVE-2013-2603 in RealArcade Installer
Summary
by MITRE
The RACInstaller.StateCtrl.1 ActiveX control in InstallerDlg.dll in RealNetworks GameHouse RealArcade Installer 2.6.0.481 performs unexpected type conversions for invalid parameter types, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (use-after-free) via crafted arguments to the (1) AddTag, (2) Ping, (3) QueuePause, (4) QueueRemove, (5) QueueTop, (6) RemoveTag, (7) TagRemoved, or (8) message method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2603 resides within the RealNetworks GameHouse RealArcade Installer 2.6.0.481 and specifically targets the RACInstaller.StateCtrl.1 ActiveX control located in InstallerDlg.dll. This represents a critical security flaw that exploits improper type handling within ActiveX components, which are commonly used for rich internet applications and system integration. The vulnerability manifests through unexpected type conversions when processing invalid parameter types, creating a dangerous condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to compromise affected systems. The flaw affects multiple methods within the ActiveX control including AddTag, Ping, QueuePause, QueueRemove, QueueTop, RemoveTag, TagRemoved, and message, indicating a systemic issue in parameter validation rather than isolated method flaws.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves a use-after-free condition that occurs when the ActiveX control processes malformed arguments passed to its various methods. When invalid parameter types are provided, the control fails to properly validate input data and instead performs unexpected type conversions that can lead to memory corruption. This memory corruption typically results in the execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable application, or alternatively causes a denial of service condition that crashes the application. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-476, which covers null pointer dereference issues that can lead to similar memory corruption scenarios. The attack surface is particularly concerning because ActiveX controls are frequently used in web browsers and can be automatically executed when visiting malicious websites, making this vulnerability exploitable through web-based attack vectors.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to users of the RealArcade installer and systems that have not patched the flaw. The use-after-free condition creates a persistent threat that can be exploited through drive-by downloads or malicious websites that host compromised content. Attackers can craft specific arguments that trigger the vulnerable ActiveX control methods, leading to privilege escalation or system compromise. The impact extends beyond simple denial of service as the arbitrary code execution capability allows for complete system compromise, potentially enabling attackers to install malware, steal sensitive information, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor input validation practices that are commonly found in legacy ActiveX implementations, making it representative of broader security issues in older software components. Organizations using RealNetworks GameHouse products or systems that may encounter this ActiveX control should be particularly concerned about potential exploitation through social engineering attacks or compromised web pages.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-2603 should focus on immediate removal of the vulnerable ActiveX control from affected systems and updating to patched versions of the RealArcade installer. Microsoft recommends disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers or implementing strict security policies that prevent automatic execution of potentially dangerous components. System administrators should also consider implementing network-based protections such as firewall rules that block access to known malicious domains and implementing application whitelisting policies that prevent execution of untrusted ActiveX controls. The vulnerability highlights the importance of keeping legacy software updated and demonstrates why organizations should maintain comprehensive inventory systems to identify and remediate vulnerable ActiveX components. Additionally, security monitoring should include detection of ActiveX control usage patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and incident response procedures should be updated to address potential use-after-free conditions in browser-based applications. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the persistent risks associated with ActiveX technology and the need for comprehensive security measures beyond traditional patch management approaches.