CVE-2003-0650 in Arcade
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in GSAPAK.EXE for GameSpy Arcade, possibly versions before 1.3e, allows remote attackers to overwrite arbitrary files and execute arbitrary code via .. (dot dot) sequences in filenames in a .APK (Zip) file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0650 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in GSAPAK.EXE, a component of GameSpy Arcade software that was widely used for game distribution and management in the early 2000s. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 1.3e and demonstrates a fundamental weakness in how the application handles file paths during extraction of .APK files, which are essentially zip archives containing game packages. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and path sanitization mechanisms within the file extraction process, creating a scenario where malicious actors can manipulate file paths to target arbitrary locations on the victim's system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the way GSAPAK.EXE processes filenames within .APK archives, particularly when encountering directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) in file paths. When the application extracts files from these archives without properly validating or sanitizing the directory components of filenames, attackers can craft malicious .APK files containing paths like ../../etc/passwd or similar sequences that would cause the extractor to write files outside of the intended extraction directory. This behavior directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as directory traversal or path traversal attacks. The vulnerability operates at the file system level, allowing attackers to overwrite existing system files or create malicious files in critical system locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwrites, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. By strategically placing malicious executables or scripts within the targeted file paths, attackers can achieve persistent code execution, potentially leading to full system compromise. This vulnerability was particularly dangerous in the context of game distribution platforms where users might unknowingly download and install malicious .APK files containing crafted directory traversal sequences. The attack vector leverages the trust relationship between users and game distribution platforms, making it difficult to detect and prevent. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the use of script-based execution, and T1078.004, which addresses valid accounts used for persistence, as attackers could establish backdoors through the file overwrite capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-0650 require immediate patching of affected GameSpy Arcade installations to version 1.3e or later, which includes proper path validation and sanitization mechanisms. System administrators should implement strict file validation policies for all .APK and zip file downloads, particularly in environments where user-uploaded content is processed. Network-level defenses should include content filtering and sandboxing of suspicious file types before they reach end-user systems. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar path traversal vulnerabilities in legacy applications and ensure proper input validation across all file processing components. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing to verify that the patch effectively prevents directory traversal attacks while maintaining legitimate application functionality. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of downloading and installing software from untrusted sources remains crucial in preventing exploitation of such vulnerabilities.