iDefense Security Advisory 12.10.10: RealNetworks RealPlayer Memory Corruption Vulnerability

iDefense Security Advisory 12.10.10
http://labs.idefense.com/intelligence/vulnerabilities/
Dec 10, 2010

I. BACKGROUND

RealPlayer is RealNetworks's media player product used to render video
and other media. For more information, visit http://www.real.com/

II. DESCRIPTION

Remote exploitation of a memory corruption vulnerability in
RealNetworks, Inc.'s RealPlayer media player could allow attackers to
execute arbitrary code in the context of the targeted user.

The vulnerability specifically exists in the way RealPlayer handles
specially crafted RealMedia video files.

When processing specially crafted RealMedia files, RealPlayer uses a
value from the file to control a loop operation. Realplayer fails to
validate the value before using it, which leads to heap memory
corruption and an exploitable condition.

III. ANALYSIS

Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code
in the context of the current user. To exploit this vulnerability, an
attacker must persuade a victim into using RealPlayer to open a
specially crafted media file. This could be accomplished by either
direct link or referenced from a website under the attacker's control.
An attacker could host a Web page containing a malformed file. Upon
visiting the malicious Web page exploitation would occur and execution
of arbitrary code would be possible. Alternatively a malicious media
file could be attached within an e-mail file.

IV. DETECTION

Windows RealPlayer SP 1.1.4 and prior and Linux RealPlayer 11.0.2.1744
and prior are vulnerable.

V. WORKAROUND

iDefense is currently unaware of any workarounds for this issue.

VI. VENDOR RESPONSE

RealNetworks has released a patch which addresses this issue.
Information about downloadable vendor updates can be found by clicking
on the URLs shown.

http://service.real.com/realplayer/security/12102010_player/en/

VII. CVE INFORMATION

The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the
name CVE-2010-4386 to this issue. This is a candidate for inclusion in
the CVE list (http://cve.mitre.org/), which standardizes names for
security problems.

VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE

04/14/2010 Initial Contact
04/14/2010 Initial Response
12/10/2010 Coordinated public disclosure

IX. CREDIT

This vulnerability was reported to iDefense by Omair.

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X. LEGAL NOTICES

Copyright © 2010 iDefense, Inc.

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Disclaimer: The information in the advisory is believed to be accurate
at the time of publishing based on currently available information. Use
of the information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition.
There are no warranties with regard to this information. Neither the
author nor the publisher accepts any liability for any direct,
indirect, or consequential loss or damage arising from use of, or
reliance on, this information.