CVE-2006-1744 in BSDgames
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in pl_main.c in sail in BSDgames before 2.17-7 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long player name that is used in a scanf function call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-1744 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the sail game component of BSDgames suite, specifically affecting versions prior to 2.17-7. This flaw exists in the pl_main.c source file where the application fails to properly validate input length when processing player names through scanf function calls. The vulnerability manifests when local users provide excessively long player names that exceed the allocated buffer size, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation practices within the scanf function usage, which does not enforce bounds checking on user-supplied data. According to CWE-121, this represents a classic stack-based buffer overflow condition where the scanf function processes player name input without verifying that the input length remains within predefined buffer boundaries. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires local system access, making it a local privilege escalation vector that can be exploited by malicious users with existing system credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it provides attackers with the ability to escalate privileges and potentially gain unauthorized access to system resources. The sail game typically runs with elevated privileges when used in multi-user environments, making successful exploitation particularly dangerous. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code with the same privileges as the sail process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through software vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-1744 require immediate patching of the affected BSDgames package to version 2.17-7 or later, which implements proper input validation and buffer size enforcement. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security measures such as input length restrictions, runtime application monitoring, and privilege separation techniques. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation practices and highlights the need for secure coding standards that prevent buffer overflow conditions. Organizations should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify other instances of similar flaws in their software inventory and implement comprehensive security testing protocols to prevent such issues from occurring in future software deployments.