SecPod

Learn Search

Search across all Learn content

← Back to Security Research
CVE-2013-7260: RealNetworks RealPlayer Stack-Based Buffer Overflow

CVE-2013-7260: RealNetworks RealPlayer Stack-Based Buffer Overflow

RealPlayer is vulnerable to multiple stack-based buffer overflow vulnerabilities (CVE-2013-7260). This flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary code and take complete control of the system remotely. Affected versions of RealPlayer are before 17.0.4.61 on Windows systems. This flaw can be mitigated...

Feb 10, 2014By Shakeel Bhat2 min read

RealPlayer is vulnerable to multiple stack-based buffer overflow vulnerabilities (CVE-2013-7260). This flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary code and take complete control of the system remotely. Affected versions of RealPlayer are before 17.0.4.61 on Windows systems. This flaw can be mitigated using a patch management software.

Real player Vulnerability is because of the way the ‘version’ and ‘encoding’ attributes in the XML declaration of an RMP (RIFF MP3 Audio File) file are handled. If malicious data is in the ‘version’ or ‘encoding’ attribute inside the XML declaration of the RMP file, it results in a crash or execution of arbitrary code. However, it is essential to have a vulnerability management tool.

new_hex2
new_hex2

Below is the view of the crafted RMP file in hex-editor having a malicious value in the ‘version’ attribute.

In Realplayer Vulnerability (CVE-2013-7260), large input data to ‘version’ attribute leads to stack based buffer overflow and so a carefully crafted malicious value can result in execution of any arbitrary code.

exception and seh
exception and seh

Below is the figure showing result of opening the crafted RMP file in Immunity debugger. Causes an exception and application jumps to the SEH chain.

calculator code in stack_edited
calculator code in stack_edited

The pointer overwrites to exceptional handler with shell code (calculator shell code). The stack now consists of malicious code, if you replace the shell code with a malicious one.

return_stackl_register
return_stackl_register

At this time, the state of ESP and the stack is:

So the return instruction 641930CA will jump to 0012FDE4 (the stack) where our calculator shell code is located.

If an attacker were to send a crafted RMP file and if you happen to open through the RealPlayer or you visit a website that is hosting a malicious RMP file, attacker could control your system completely.

Shakeel

Featured Posts

Open ScreenConnect Attacks Deploy SCKit Malware Across MSP Environments, Targeting 288 Endpoints in 48 Organizations
ScreenConnect Attacks Deploy SCKit Malware Across MSP Environments, Targeting 288 Endpoints in 48 Organizations

CVE Research

ScreenConnect Attacks Deploy SCKit Malware Across MSP Environments, Targeting 288 Endpoints in 48 Organizations

A new worm-like malware toolkit called SCKit targets managed service providers (MSPs) by abusing ScreenConnect remote access sessions. The campaign attempts to move from infected customer endpoints to MSP technicians' workstations, potentially exposing additional customer networks. Researchers identified activity affecting at least 288 endpoints across 48 organizations.

Nov 13, 2026

Open Critical Apache HTTP/2 RCE Flaw Lets Unauthenticated Attackers Take Full Control of the Server
vulnerability researchCritical Apache HTTP/2 RCE Flaw Lets Unauthenticated Attackers Take Full Control of the Server

CVE Research

Critical Apache HTTP/2 RCE Flaw Lets Unauthenticated Attackers Take Full Control of the Server

CVE-2026-119618 is a critical race-condition vulnerability in Apache HTTP Server’s mod_http2 that can lead to unauthenticated remote code execution when HTTP/2 is enabled. Versions 2.4.55 through 2.4.70 are affected and fixed in 2.4.71. Only hosts that negotiate h2 or h2c are exposed. This article covers how the flaw works, distribution fixes, temporary Protocols mitigation, and related issues in the same release.

Nov 12, 2026

Open Microsoft’s November 2026 Patch Tuesday: 1,093 Vulnerabilities, 63 Critical Fixes, and an Outlook Threat
Microsoft’s November 2026 Patch Tuesday: 1,093 Vulnerabilities, 63 Critical Fixes, and an Outlook Threat

CVE Research

Microsoft’s November 2026 Patch Tuesday: 1,093 Vulnerabilities, 63 Critical Fixes, and an Outlook Threat

Microsoft’s November 2026 Patch Tuesday addresses 1,093 security vulnerabilities, including 63 Critical flaws and an actively exploited Outlook zero-day. The updates tackle serious remote code execution, privilege escalation, and information disclosure vulnerabilities across Windows, Exchange Server, SharePoint, Azure, and other Microsoft products. Explore the most critical flaws, affected products, and essential remediation steps to secure your systems.

Nov 11, 2026

Open Beyond GitLab's Critical RCE: What CVE-2026-97229 Reveals About Exploitation, Patch Gaps, and Security Response
vulnerability researchBeyond GitLab's Critical RCE: What CVE-2026-97229 Reveals About Exploitation, Patch Gaps, and Security Response

CVE Research

Beyond GitLab's Critical RCE: What CVE-2026-97229 Reveals About Exploitation, Patch Gaps, and Security Response

Nov 6, 2026