CVE-2005-1776 in Cnedra
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the READ_TCP_STRING function in game_message_functions.cpp in the network plugin for C Nedra 0.4.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long text string.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1776 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the network communication layer of the C Nedra 0.4.0 software suite. This issue manifests specifically within the READ_TCP_STRING function located in the game_message_functions.cpp file, which forms part of the network plugin component responsible for handling TCP-based message exchanges between clients and servers. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and bounds checking when processing text strings received over network connections, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized system control.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of string data within the network plugin's message processing pipeline. When the READ_TCP_STRING function receives a text string over TCP connections, it fails to adequately verify the length of incoming data against predetermined buffer boundaries. This oversight allows attackers to craft malicious network packets containing excessively long text strings that exceed the allocated memory buffer size, resulting in memory corruption that can be exploited to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data. The vulnerability is classified as a classic stack-based buffer overflow according to CWE-121, which falls under the broader category of CWE-787, representing out-of-bounds write conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial-of-service scenarios to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Remote attackers can exploit this condition to execute arbitrary code within the context of the affected application, potentially gaining complete control over the target system. This exploitation capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes the use of input validation flaws for privilege escalation and code execution. The vulnerability affects all versions of C Nedra 0.4.0 and earlier, making it particularly concerning as it represents a widespread issue within the software ecosystem. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to install backdoors, modify system configurations, access sensitive data, or establish persistent access to compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-1776 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to the latest available version of C Nedra where the buffer overflow has been addressed through proper bounds checking and input validation mechanisms. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable systems to untrusted networks, while also deploying intrusion detection systems capable of identifying suspicious network traffic patterns associated with buffer overflow exploitation attempts. Additionally, developers should adopt secure coding practices including the use of safe string handling functions, input length validation, and comprehensive memory management protocols to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future software releases. The remediation process should also include thorough code reviews focused on network input handling and buffer management to identify and address potential similar flaws across the entire software codebase.