CVE-2004-0453 in vice
Summary
by MITRE
format string vulnerability in the monitor "memory dump" command in vice 1.6 to 1.14 allows local users to cause a denial of service (emulator crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in an output string.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0453 represents a critical format string flaw within the VICE emulator software version 1.6 through 1.14. This issue specifically affects the monitor's memory dump command functionality, which serves as a debugging interface for users to examine memory contents during emulation sessions. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and handling of format specifiers within the memory dump output generation process, creating a dangerous condition where user-supplied data can be interpreted as format string directives rather than literal text. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-134, which specifically addresses the use of format strings without proper validation, making it a well-documented and severe class of security flaw. The VICE emulator, designed for Commodore 64 and other vintage computer systems, provides a sophisticated debugging environment where developers and enthusiasts can inspect program memory, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for users who rely on the monitor functionality.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a local user executes the memory dump command with maliciously crafted input containing format string specifiers such as %x, %s, or %n. These specifiers, when improperly handled, can cause the application to read from memory locations or write to arbitrary memory addresses, leading to unpredictable behavior. The vulnerability enables two primary attack vectors: denial of service through emulator crashes and potential code execution. When the format string is processed without proper sanitization, the emulator's memory management can be manipulated to cause segmentation faults or other memory access violations that result in application termination. The more dangerous aspect involves the possibility of arbitrary code execution, where carefully crafted format specifiers can overwrite critical program memory locations or inject executable code into the emulator's address space, allowing attackers to gain control over the running process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of systems running vulnerable versions of VICE. Local users who can access the emulator's monitor interface can leverage this flaw to either disrupt ongoing emulation sessions through crashes or potentially escalate privileges if the emulator runs with elevated permissions. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users share the same system or where the emulator is used in development environments with sensitive code analysis requirements. Given that VICE is commonly used in educational settings, research environments, and by retro computing enthusiasts, the attack surface is broad and includes both technical users who understand debugging interfaces and casual users who might inadvertently trigger the vulnerability. The risk is amplified because the vulnerability exists in the debugging interface, which is often accessed during normal operation, making detection and prevention challenging.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0453 require immediate software updates to versions that address the format string handling issues in the monitor memory dump command. Users should upgrade to VICE versions beyond 1.14 where the vulnerability has been patched through proper input validation and format string handling. System administrators should disable or restrict access to the monitor interface for untrusted users, particularly in shared computing environments where local privilege escalation risks are elevated. The implementation of proper input validation techniques, such as using fixed format strings with explicit argument counts rather than user-supplied format specifiers, provides a robust defense against this class of vulnerability. Additionally, deploying application-level sandboxes or containment mechanisms around emulator processes can limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, while regular security audits of legacy software systems can help identify similar vulnerabilities in other components that may not have been properly addressed through standard security practices. Organizations using VICE in production environments should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potential attackers who might exploit this vulnerability through local system compromise or privilege escalation scenarios.