CVE-2005-0825 in LTris
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in LTris before 1.0.10 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a crafted highscores file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/11/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0825 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the LTris game application prior to version 1.0.10. This issue resides in the application's handling of highscores files, which are typically used to store and retrieve player performance data. The buffer overflow occurs when the application processes a specially crafted highscores file, allowing an attacker to manipulate memory layout and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user. This represents a classic local privilege escalation vector that leverages the application's trust in user-provided data without proper input validation or bounds checking.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the LTris application's file parsing routine. When the application reads highscores data from a file, it fails to validate the length of data being read into fixed-size buffers, creating an exploitable condition where attacker-controlled input can overwrite adjacent memory locations. This flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a common weakness in software development practices that fail to implement proper input sanitization. The vulnerability operates at the application level and does not require network connectivity, making it particularly concerning as it can be exploited through local file manipulation rather than network-based attacks.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to systems running affected versions of LTris, as it enables local users to gain elevated privileges and execute malicious code on the target system. The attack vector requires physical access or the ability to modify files in the application's working directory, but once exploited, the consequences can be severe. An attacker could potentially install backdoors, modify system files, or escalate privileges to gain root access depending on the system configuration. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of input validation in all application components, as even seemingly benign data storage mechanisms like highscores files can become attack vectors when not properly secured.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2005-0825 primarily involves updating to LTris version 1.0.10 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow condition. System administrators should also implement file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized modifications to highscores files and other application data files. Additional protective measures include restricting write permissions to game data directories and implementing least privilege principles for game application execution. Organizations should consider applying the principle of defense in depth by employing application whitelisting solutions and monitoring for suspicious file creation or modification patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security assessments and keeping all software components updated to address known vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through local file manipulation, emphasizing the need for proper access controls and application security hardening measures.