CVE-2003-1446 in Rogue
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the save_into_file function in save.c for Rogue 5.2-2 allows local users to execute arbitrary code with games group privileges by setting a long HOME environment variable and invoking the save game function with a ~ (tilde).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-1446 represents a classic buffer overflow condition within the Rogue gaming software version 5.2-2, specifically within the save_into_file function located in the save.c source file. This flaw demonstrates a critical security weakness that allows local attackers to escalate their privileges and execute arbitrary code with games group permissions, highlighting the dangerous consequences of improper input validation in legacy software systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on a combination of environmental manipulation and specific function invocation patterns. Attackers exploit the buffer overflow by setting an excessively long HOME environment variable, which then gets processed through the save_into_file function when a user invokes the save game functionality using a tilde (~) character. The save.c implementation fails to properly validate the length of the HOME environment variable before copying it into a fixed-size buffer, creating a condition where user-supplied data can overwrite adjacent memory locations. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite stack canaries, return addresses, or other critical program memory segments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to execute malicious code within the games group context, which typically has elevated permissions compared to regular user accounts. This privilege level often provides access to system resources, configuration files, and potentially other applications running under similar group memberships. The vulnerability affects systems where Rogue is installed with setgid permissions, allowing users to execute the game with elevated privileges, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where gaming applications are commonly used. The attack vector requires local access to the system, but once exploited, the consequences can be severe for system integrity and user data protection.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate code-level fixes and broader system hardening approaches. The primary solution involves implementing proper bounds checking in the save_into_file function to ensure that the HOME environment variable length does not exceed the allocated buffer size, typically through the use of functions like strncpy instead of strcpy or explicit length validation before memory operations. System administrators should also consider disabling setgid permissions on gaming applications when possible, as this removes the privilege escalation path entirely. Additionally, regular security updates and patches should be implemented to address known vulnerabilities in legacy software systems, following the principle of least privilege and ensuring that applications running with elevated permissions have minimal attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation practices and adheres to ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers exploit for privilege escalation through local vulnerabilities. Organizations should maintain comprehensive vulnerability management programs that include regular auditing of legacy applications and their security configurations to prevent similar issues from persisting in operational environments.