CVE-2001-0359 in Half-Life
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in Sierra Half-Life build 1573 and earlier allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via the map command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0359 represents a critical format string flaw discovered in Sierra Half-Life version 1573 and earlier implementations. This security weakness resides within the game server software that processes map commands, creating an avenue for remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and handling of user-supplied data within the server's command processing pipeline, specifically when interpreting map-related commands that contain format specifiers.
Format string vulnerabilities occur when application code uses user-provided input directly in printf-style functions without proper sanitization, allowing attackers to manipulate memory layout and execute arbitrary code. In the context of this Half-Life vulnerability, the map command processing function fails to properly validate or escape format specifiers contained within the command parameters. This flaw enables malicious actors to inject format string sequences that can overwrite critical memory locations, potentially leading to privilege escalation or complete system compromise. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-134 which specifically addresses the use of format strings with user-supplied data.
The operational impact of CVE-2001-0359 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it allows attackers to manipulate the game server's memory structure and potentially gain unauthorized access to underlying system resources. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted map commands that contain format specifiers such as %x, %s, or %n, which can be used to read memory contents, write to arbitrary memory locations, or cause application crashes. The remote nature of this attack means that an attacker does not need local system access, making it particularly dangerous for online gaming servers and multiplayer environments where multiple players interact. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059 category for command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting the execution of arbitrary code through server-side vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures within the game server's command processing functions. System administrators should apply the vendor-supplied patches or updates that address the format string handling in the map command processing module. Additionally, network-level security controls such as firewall rules and intrusion detection systems can be configured to monitor and block suspicious map command patterns. The implementation of proper memory protection mechanisms including stack canaries and address space layout randomization can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to isolate game servers from critical infrastructure and establish monitoring protocols to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other server components that may present analogous format string vulnerabilities.