CVE-2006-1402 in csDoom
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in client/server Doom (csDoom) 0.7 and earlier allows remote attackers to (1) cause a denial of service via a long nickname or teamname to the SV_SetupUserInfo function or (2) execute arbitrary code via a long string sent when joining a match or a long chat message to the SV_BroadcastPrintf function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-1402 affects csDoom version 0.7 and earlier, representing a critical buffer overflow condition within the client/server communication framework of the Doom multiplayer gaming protocol. This flaw manifests in two distinct attack vectors that demonstrate the severity of improper input validation in networked applications. The vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking when processing user-provided data during game session establishment and ongoing communication.
The primary technical flaw occurs within the SV_SetupUserInfo function where the system fails to properly validate the length of nickname and teamname parameters provided by clients. When attackers send excessively long strings exceeding the allocated buffer space, the application experiences memory corruption that leads to unpredictable behavior. This condition creates a classic buffer overflow scenario where adjacent memory locations become overwritten, potentially causing the application to crash or exhibit erratic behavior. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the server level, allowing remote attackers to manipulate the game server's memory structure without requiring local system access.
The secondary attack vector involves the SV_BroadcastPrintf function and occurs when processing chat messages during gameplay. When malicious users send extraordinarily long chat strings, the buffer overflow can be exploited to execute arbitrary code on the target system. This represents a privilege escalation vulnerability where network-based attackers can potentially gain control over the game server, leading to complete system compromise. The exploitation requires careful crafting of the malicious input to overwrite return addresses or function pointers within the server's memory space, enabling code execution with the privileges of the running service.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it creates a pathway for remote code execution that could allow attackers to establish persistent access to gaming infrastructure. Game servers running affected versions become potential entry points for broader network attacks, as compromised servers can be used as launchpads for attacking other systems within the network. The vulnerability affects the integrity and availability of multiplayer gaming experiences, potentially disrupting legitimate gameplay sessions while providing attackers with unauthorized access to server resources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the csDoom software to version 0.8 or later, which includes proper input validation and buffer size enforcement. Network administrators should implement additional protective measures including rate limiting for user input, monitoring for unusually long data packets, and implementing intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of insufficient input validation that could be addressed through proper bounds checking mechanisms. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1203, which covers exploitation for execution, and T1499, covering network denial of service attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to isolate gaming servers and reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.