CVE-2006-1146 in Alien Arena 2006
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the Cmd_Say_f function in g_cmds.c in Alien Arena 2006 Gold Edition 5.00 allows remote attackers (possibly authenticated) to execute arbitrary code by sending a long message to the server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-1146 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Alien Arena 2006 Gold Edition 5.00 game server software. This issue specifically affects the Cmd_Say_f function located in the g_cmds.c source file, which handles chat messages sent through the game's command interface. The flaw arises from inadequate input validation when processing player messages, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized control over the game server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the command processing function. When a player sends a chat message to the server, the Cmd_Say_f function fails to properly validate the length of incoming data before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This allows an attacker to overflow the buffer and overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially including return addresses and control data. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through network communication, making it accessible to remote attackers who may not need direct system access. According to CWE standards, this maps to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a high-severity issue due to its potential for arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it creates a pathway for complete system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this flaw can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the game server process, potentially leading to full system control. This scenario is particularly concerning in multiplayer gaming environments where servers are often accessible to untrusted users. The vulnerability's potential for authenticated exploitation means that even legitimate players could become vectors for attack if proper access controls are not implemented. From an adversarial perspective, this weakness aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables attackers to execute malicious code through server command interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate code-level fixes and operational security improvements. The primary remediation involves implementing proper input validation and bounds checking within the Cmd_Say_f function to ensure that message lengths cannot exceed allocated buffer sizes. This includes implementing stack canaries, using safe string handling functions, and applying input sanitization measures. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing network-level restrictions such as rate limiting for chat commands, firewall rules to limit server access, and regular security updates to prevent exploitation. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure coding practices and regular security audits, particularly for network-facing applications that process untrusted input. Organizations should implement principle of least privilege for server processes and consider network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation.