In brief: Attackers could get Real

Plus: IBM extends DB2 Information Integrator; Smartwebs unveils content management.

• A flaw in almost every generation of RealNetworks streaming servers, including Helix Universal Server 9 and RealSystem Server Versions 7 and 8, could be exploited by an attacker to gain root access on the affected machine. The flaw has been known for some time, but reports of an exploit are just surfacing. A patch is not yet available from RealNetworks, but a workaround is available by removing the “View source plug-ins” from the “plug-ins” directory and then restarting the server. The alert can be seen here .

• IBM last week bolstered its DB2 Information Integrator software to include data and content that packaged SAP and Oracle applications generate. IBM expects the new software to be available next year. DB2 Information Integrator offers a single, consolidated view of resources scattered across a company’s data sources. IBM says with DB2 Content Manager customers can integrate all forms of content – document, Web, image or rich media – across diverse business processes and applications, including SAP and Siebel Systems, plus deliver integrated, consistent content across a corporation. The software consists of several packages, including Library Server and Resource Server. A monthly licensing fee starts at $1,350 and $750, respectively.

• Start-up Smartwebs officially unveiled its content management software last week that aims to give small and midsize businesses, and departments of larger organizations, an easy way to manage Web sites and intranet content. Smartwebs IRT provides users with a Word processor style editor to update and add content. Smartwebs IRT includes Content Manager, which lets customers update pages in real time; Site Builder, which lets users create pages; Developer, for creating standalone sub sites; and Modules, which are pre-defined components that enable users to set up content areas for specific information such as press releases, polls and forms. A typical licensed installation of Smartwebs IRT is priced between $15,000 and $25,000, while the subscription service includes a $4,000 setup fee and costs $250 per month.