CVE-2013-7260 in RealPlayer
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in RealNetworks RealPlayer before 17.0.4.61 on Windows, and Mac RealPlayer before 12.0.1.1738, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long (1) version number or (2) encoding declaration in the XML declaration of an RMP file, a different issue than CVE-2013-6877.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-7260 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw affecting RealNetworks RealPlayer software across both Windows and Mac operating systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the parsing mechanisms within the RealPlayer application when processing RMP (Real Media Player) files, which are used to store media playback information and metadata. The flaw manifests when the application encounters malformed XML declarations within these media files, particularly focusing on overly long version numbers or encoding declarations that exceed the allocated buffer space. The vulnerability exists in RealPlayer versions prior to 17.0.4.61 for Windows and 12.0.1.1738 for Mac systems, making a significant portion of the user base susceptible to exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the XML parser component of RealPlayer. When the application processes an RMP file containing an XML declaration with an excessively long version number or encoding specification, the software fails to properly bounds-check the input data before copying it into fixed-size stack buffers. This classic buffer overflow condition occurs because the parsing routine does not enforce length limits on the XML declaration attributes, allowing an attacker to provide input that exceeds the predetermined buffer capacity. The stack-based nature of this overflow means that the corrupted memory can overwrite adjacent stack variables, return addresses, and other critical execution data, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is a well-documented and dangerous class of vulnerability that has been exploited in numerous high-profile attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-7260 extends beyond simple local privilege escalation or denial of service conditions, as it provides remote attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. Attackers can craft malicious RMP files containing specially crafted XML declarations that trigger the buffer overflow during normal media playback operations. This remote code execution capability makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently download or receive media files from untrusted sources. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no user interaction beyond opening a malicious file, making it a prime candidate for phishing campaigns or automated exploitation across networked systems. The vulnerability's similarity to CVE-2013-6877 indicates that RealNetworks was dealing with a broader class of XML parsing vulnerabilities within their media player software, suggesting systemic issues in input validation that required comprehensive code review and remediation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-7260 should prioritize immediate software updates to the patched versions of RealPlayer, specifically versions 17.0.4.61 for Windows and 12.0.1.1738 for Mac systems. Organizations should implement network-based controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to prevent the download of RMP files from untrusted sources, particularly those that may contain malicious XML declarations. Additionally, security administrators should consider disabling RealPlayer in enterprise environments where it is not essential for business operations, as the vulnerability presents a significant attack surface that can be exploited through various social engineering techniques. The remediation process should also include comprehensive security awareness training for end users to recognize potentially malicious media files and to avoid opening attachments or downloading content from untrusted sources. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, highlighting the need for layered defensive measures including application whitelisting, network segmentation, and regular security assessments to prevent successful exploitation attempts.