CVE-2018-4013 in RTSP Server
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable code execution vulnerability exists in the HTTP packet-parsing functionality of the LIVE555 RTSP server library version 0.92. A specially crafted packet can cause a stack-based buffer overflow, resulting in code execution. An attacker can send a packet to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2023
The CVE-2018-4013 vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the LIVE555 RTSP server library version 0.92 that exposes systems to remote code execution attacks. This vulnerability resides in the HTTP packet-parsing functionality of the library, which is widely used in multimedia streaming applications and network protocols. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation during packet processing, where the library fails to properly bounds-check data received from network connections before copying it into fixed-size stack buffers. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker crafts a malicious RTSP packet that exceeds the allocated buffer space, causing a stack overflow that can be exploited to overwrite return addresses and execute arbitrary code on the target system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic stack buffer overflow attack pattern that aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a code execution technique under the T1059.007 sub-technique for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation would enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the compromised system. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because the LIVE555 library is integrated into numerous multimedia applications, streaming servers, and network devices, making the attack surface extensive across various network infrastructure components.
Operational exploitation of CVE-2018-4013 requires minimal network access and can be executed remotely without authentication, making it particularly dangerous for systems that expose RTSP services to untrusted networks. The attack vector typically involves sending a specially crafted RTSP packet containing oversized data fields that trigger the buffer overflow during parsing operations. This vulnerability affects not only dedicated streaming servers but also embedded devices, network cameras, and multimedia applications that utilize the LIVE555 library for RTSP protocol handling. The consequences extend beyond simple code execution, potentially allowing attackers to gain full system control, escalate privileges, and establish persistent access points within network environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-4013 primarily focus on immediate remediation through software updates and patches provided by the library maintainers. Organizations should prioritize updating to LIVE555 library versions that address the buffer overflow vulnerability, typically those released after the vulnerability disclosure. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of RTSP services to trusted networks only, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual RTSP traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures include implementing network intrusion detection systems that can identify malformed RTSP packets and deploying application firewalls that filter suspicious HTTP packet content. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of input validation and memory safety practices in network protocol implementations, aligning with security standards such as the CERT Secure Coding Standards that emphasize proper bounds checking and safe memory management techniques to prevent similar buffer overflow conditions in network applications.