CVE-2005-3486 in Scorched 3D
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple format string vulnerabilities in Scorched 3D 39.1 (bf) and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via various (1) GLConsole::addLine, (2) ServerCommon::sendString, (3) ServerCommon::serverLog functions, and possibly other unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3486 represents a critical format string flaw affecting Scorched 3D version 39.1 and earlier releases. This vulnerability manifests in multiple functions within the game's networking and console subsystems, creating a significant attack surface for remote code execution. The affected functions include GLConsole::addLine, ServerCommon::sendString, and ServerCommon::serverLog, which process user-supplied input without proper validation or sanitization. These functions are commonly used in networked gaming environments where client input is transmitted to servers, making them prime targets for exploitation.
Format string vulnerabilities occur when application code uses user-controllable input directly in format functions such as printf, sprintf, or fprintf without proper parameter validation. In this case, the flaw allows attackers to manipulate format specifiers within the input data, potentially leading to stack corruption, information disclosure, or arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects core networking functions that handle string data from remote clients, meaning any connected user could potentially exploit this weakness. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-134 as "Use of Externally-Controlled Format String" and falls within the broader category of injection flaws that have been consistently identified as high-risk security issues in software development practices.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-3486 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass potential system compromise and denial of service conditions. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to game servers, potentially leading to complete system compromise if the server is running with elevated privileges. The exploitation of these functions could also result in information disclosure attacks where sensitive memory contents are leaked to attackers, providing them with additional attack vectors. Additionally, the vulnerability may cause the application to crash or behave unpredictably, leading to denial of service conditions that disrupt legitimate gameplay. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Scorched 3D is a multiplayer game where multiple users connect to shared servers, creating a potential vector for widespread exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate code-level fixes and architectural improvements to prevent similar issues in the future. The primary remediation involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization within the affected functions, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly escaped or parameterized before being processed by format functions. Developers should replace direct string concatenation with secure alternatives such as snprintf or equivalent functions that enforce buffer limits. The implementation of defensive programming practices including stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and input length validation can significantly reduce the exploitability of such vulnerabilities. From an operational standpoint, system administrators should consider implementing network segmentation, access controls, and monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Unix Shell" and T1190 for "Exploit Public-Facing Application," highlighting the need for both code-level and network-level security measures. Regular security auditing and penetration testing of networked applications should be implemented to identify and remediate similar format string vulnerabilities before they can be exploited in real-world scenarios.