iDefense Security Advisory 03.31.10: RealNetworks Helix DNA Server RTSP Stack Buffer Overflow

iDefense Security Advisory 03.31.10
http://labs.idefense.com/intelligence/vulnerabilities/
Mar 31, 2010

I. BACKGROUND

Helix DNA Server is software that can play audio and video media in
various formats and stream them over a network. It is intended as a
largely free and open source digital media framework that runs on
numerous operating systems. The Helix DNA Server can support various
formats including RealVideo, RealAudio, and MP3.

II. DESCRIPTION

Remote exploitation of a stack buffer overflow vulnerability in
RealNetworks Inc.'s Helix DNA Server could allow an attacker to execute
arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected service. <BR> <BR>
The Helix DNA Server contains a vulnerability that can be triggered by
an unauthenticated attacker. The vulnerability results due to the
parsing of a certain type of Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP)
request specifying a large string. The vulnerable function may perform
a copy operation that results in the bounds of a stack buffer to be
overflown.

III. ANALYSIS

Exploitation of this vulnerability results in the execution of arbitrary
code with the privileges of the affected service. In order to exploit
this vulnerability, an attacker needs to be able to create a TCP
connection to port 554 on the targeted server. No authentication is
required.

IV. DETECTION

Helix Server and Helix Mobile Server versions 12.x, 13.x and 14.x 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://docs.real.com/docs/security/SecurityUpdate033111HS.pdf

VII. CVE INFORMATION

The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the
name CVE-2010-4596 to this issue. This is a candidate for inclusion in
the CVE list (http://cve.mitre.org/&#41;, which standardizes names for
security problems.

VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE

11/17/2010 Initial Contact
12/03/2010 Initial Response
03/31/2010 Coordinated public disclosure.

IX. CREDIT

This vulnerability was reported to iDefense by defrost.

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X. LEGAL NOTICES

Copyright © 2011 Verisign

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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
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indirect, or consequential loss or damage arising from use of, or
reliance on, this information.