Server Exploit Vulnerability

Updated August 22, 2003

Helix Universal Server 9 and earlier versions (RealSystem Server 8, 7 and RealServer G2) are vulnerable to a root exploit when certain types of character strings appear in large numbers within URLs destined for the Server's protocol parsers. RealNetworks Proxy products are not vulnerable to this exploit.

Solution:

This exploit solution updated September 11, 2003.

RealNetworks has verified that vulnerability to this exploit can be effectively closed by removing the RealNetworks View Source plug-in from the /Plugins directory and restarting the Server process.

UNIX/Linux: vsrcplin.so.9.0 (Helix Universal Server), vsrcplin.so.6.0 (RealSystem Server 8 & 7, and RealServer G2).


Windows: vsrc3260.dll 
The View Source Plug-in is responsible for reading and displaying file format headers of media files accessible to the file systems loaded by the Server. Removal of this plug-in will not hinder on-demand or live streaming delivery or logging and authentication services of the product. With the plug-in removed however, the Content Browsing feature will be disabled.

RealNetworks considers the removal of the View Source Plug-in a work-around for this issue, we will be making a new version of the Helix Universal Server available to all current customers that resolves this problem and does not require system administrators to remove any shipping components post installation. Once the new version is available, RealNetworks will urge customer to upgrade.