Exploit RealPlayer

October 2007

Attacks exploiting RealPlayer zero day in progress. Attackers are exploiting a zero-day vulnerability in RealPlayer in order to infect Windows machines running Internet Explorer, Symantec Corp. said late Thursday. The security company issued an alert that rated the threat with its highest possible score. According to a warning issued to customers of its DeepSight threat network, Symantec said an ActiveX control installed by RealNetworks Inc.’s RealPlayer program is flawed. When combined with Microsoft Corp.’s Internet Explorer (IE) browser -- which relies on ActiveX controls to extend its functionality -- the bug can be exploited and malicious code downloaded to any PC that wanders to a specially crafted site. Only systems on which both RealPlayer and IE have been installed are vulnerable. Symantec also referenced a blog that had posted some information about the RealPlayer vulnerability Wednesday morning. The blogger, identified only as Roger, claimed that the NASA space agency has warned workers not to use IE because of an unspecified problem with RealPlayer. Roger quoted from what he claimed was a NASA bulletin. “The malware appears to be spreading through a large variety of common and highly-respected Internet sites,” the NASA warning reportedly said. “However it does not appear these sites are themselves infected. The affected sites are serving solely as a mechanism to attract potential victims.” NASA’s public affairs team at the Ames Research Center in northern California was not available for comment Thursday night.