ID

VAR-200411-0013

CVE

CVE-2004-0774

TITLE

RealNetworks Helix Universal Server section POST Request Remote Denial of Service Vulnerability

DESCRIPTION

RealNetworks Helix Universal Server 9.0.2 for Linux and 9.0.3 for Windows allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (CPU and memory exhaustion) via a POST request with a Content-Length header set to -1. The problem surrounds the mishandling of some POST headers values. An attacker can exploit this issue to cause the affected server to consume excessive computer resources and hang, denying service to legitimate users. BACKGROUND RealNetworks Helix Universal Server is a universal digital media delivery platform with industry leading performance, integrated content distribution and Web services support. More information is available at http://www.realnetworks.com. II. The problem specifically exists in the handling of specially crafted POST requests. Generating a request with the Content-Length header set to -1 triggers an integer handling error resulting in mass utilization of memory and CPU time. III. ANALYSIS Any unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit this vulnerability, which causes the affected system to utilize mass amounts of memory and CPU time. The system will no longer be able to process future requests. The affected server must be restarted in order to resume normal functionality. IV. DETECTION iDEFENSE has confirmed the existence of this vulnerability in RealNetworks Helix Server version 9.0.2 for Linux and version 9.0.3 for Windows. It is suspected that earlier versions on both platforms are vulnerable as well. V. WORKAROUND Usage of an inline application level filter can help mitigate risk of exploitation by scanning for and filtering invalid Content-Length parameters. VI. VENDOR RESPONSE "Customers are encouraged to upgrade their Server software to the latest version, which contains a security patch." RealNetworks has released binaries that guard against the described vulnerability. The related advisory from RealNetworks is available at: http://service.real.com/help/faq/security/security100704.html VII. CVE INFORMATION The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the name CAN-2004-0774 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 07/01/2004 Initial vendor notification 07/01/2004 iDEFENSE clients notified 08/05/2004 Initial vendor response 10/07/2004 Coordinated public Disclosure IX. CREDIT The discoverer of this vulnerability wishes to remain anonymous. Get paid for vulnerability research http://www.idefense.com/poi/teams/vcp.jsp X. LEGAL NOTICES Copyright (c) 2004 iDEFENSE, Inc. Permission is granted for the redistribution of this alert electronically. It may not be edited in any way without the express written consent of iDEFENSE. If you wish to reprint the whole or any part of this alert in any other medium other than electronically, please email customerservice@idefense.com for permission. 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. _______________________________________________ Full-Disclosure - We believe in it. Charter: http://lists.netsys.com/full-disclosure-charter.html

AFFECTED PRODUCTS

CVSS

PROBLEMTYPE DATA

THREAT TYPE

remote

TYPE

input validation

EXPLOIT AVAILABILITY

EXTERNAL IDS

REFERENCES

CREDITS

iDEFENSE Security Advisory※ labs@idefense.com

SOURCES

LAST UPDATE DATE

2024-08-14T14:53:48.915000+00:00

SOURCES UPDATE DATE

SOURCES RELEASE DATE