CVE-2011-4248

RealNetworks RealPlayer before 15.0.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a malformed AAC file

published November 24, 2011

CVSS
—
EPSS
4%
Percentile
89.5
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

🚨 A malformed AAC file in RealPlayer can let attackers execute arbitrary code! That's like someone slipping a fake ticket into a concert, giving them access to backstage! 🔥 Imagine you’re at a packed concert, and someone hands you a ticket that looks legit but grants them backstage access. The real danger lies in how that ticket was made — it’s the same with the malformed AAC file that can trick RealPlayer into executing malicious code without anyone being the wiser. If exploited, this vulnerability could allow an attacker to do anything — from accessing sensitive files to taking over your system entirely. Just think about it: your media player becomes an unwitting accomplice in a digital heist! This could lead to a serious breach of your privacy and security.

Put simply

Imagine you’re at a packed concert, and someone hands you a ticket that looks legit but grants them backstage access. The real danger lies in how that ticket was made — it’s the same with the malformed AAC file that can trick RealPlayer into executing malicious code without anyone being the wiser. This vulnerability stems from RealNetworks RealPlayer's lack of proper validation for AAC files, enabling remote attackers to craft harmful files that, when opened, run arbitrary code on the user’s machine.

What to do

If exploited, this vulnerability could allow an attacker to do anything — from accessing sensitive files to taking over your system entirely. Just think about it: your media player becomes an unwitting accomplice in a digital heist! This could lead to a serious breach of your privacy and security. To mitigate this risk, update RealPlayer to the latest version (15.0.0 or higher) immediately and ensure that you avoid opening suspicious audio files. Keeping software up to date is always your best line of defense! You've got this! With these updates in place, you can enjoy your media without worry. 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.03646 · 89.5th percentile
Published
2011-11-24T11:00Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 24 NOV 11:00Z
    RealNetworks RealPlayer before 15.0.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a malformed AAC file
    cvelistv5