CVE-2006-1403 in csDoom
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in the PrintString function in c_console.cpp in client/server Doom (csDoom) 0.7 and earlier allows remote attackers cause a denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary commands via format string specifiers in strings passed to the console.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-1403 represents a critical format string flaw within the csDoom client/server implementation, specifically affecting versions 0.7 and earlier. This issue manifests in the PrintString function located within the c_console.cpp source file, where improper input validation allows malicious actors to manipulate string formatting operations. The flaw stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied strings before passing them to printf-style functions, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged for both denial of service and potential remote code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers craft malicious strings containing format specifiers that are subsequently processed by the PrintString function. These specifiers can cause the application to read from arbitrary memory locations or write data to specific addresses, fundamentally compromising the application's memory management and execution flow. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-134, which specifically addresses the use of user-controlled format strings in functions like printf, sprintf, and related formatting routines. This weakness enables attackers to manipulate the program's behavior through carefully constructed input that bypasses normal execution paths and potentially exposes sensitive memory contents.
From an operational perspective, the impact of CVE-2006-1403 extends beyond simple denial of service to encompass potential remote code execution capabilities that could allow attackers to gain unauthorized control over affected systems. The vulnerability affects the core console functionality of csDoom, which operates as a networked multiplayer game client, making it particularly dangerous in multiplayer environments where multiple users can interact. Attackers can leverage this flaw to crash the application, causing persistent denial of service for legitimate users, or potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the running process, which typically operate at the user level but could be escalated depending on system configurations.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patching of the affected csDoom versions to implement proper input sanitization and validation before string formatting operations. Developers should replace direct string passing to printf-style functions with safe alternatives that properly handle user input, such as using fixed format strings with appropriate argument validation. Additionally, implementing proper bounds checking and input sanitization routines within the PrintString function would prevent malicious format specifiers from being processed. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to this vulnerability, while monitoring for suspicious console input patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as the exploitation involves manipulating console input to execute unintended commands through format string manipulation.