CVE-2009-4257
CWE-119Published: January 25, 2010· Updated: Jun 16, 2026
Official Description
Heap-based buffer overflow in datatype/smil/common/smlpkt.cpp in smlrender.dll in RealNetworks RealPlayer 10, RealPlayer 10.5 6.0.12.1040 through 6.0.12.1741, RealPlayer 11 11.0.0 through 11.0.4, RealPlayer Enterprise, Mac RealPlayer 10 and 10.1, Linux RealPlayer 10 and 11.0.0, and Helix Player 10.x and 11.0.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an SMIL file with crafted string lengths.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2009-4257 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
From a weakness classification perspective (CWE-119): Buffer overflow vulnerabilities can lead to arbitrary code execution or denial of service by corrupting adjacent memory.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (28)
Quick Facts
Related CVEs (CWE-119)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2009-4257 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts