CVE-2006-2399 in Outgun
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the ServerNetworking::incoming_client_data function in servnet.cpp in Outgun 1.0.3 bot 2 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a data_file_request command with a long (1) type or (2) name string.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/26/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-2399 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Outgun gaming client software version 1.0.3 bot 2 and earlier releases. This issue specifically affects the ServerNetworking::incoming_client_data function located in the servnet.cpp source file, demonstrating a classic software security weakness that has been documented in numerous cybersecurity incidents throughout the industry history. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly bounds-check string data received from network connections, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to compromise system integrity.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted data_file_request command that contains excessively long type or name strings. When the vulnerable function processes these malformed inputs, the stack buffer overflow condition manifests as the program attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries of the target buffer. This memory corruption event typically results in immediate application termination or crash, providing the attacker with a reliable denial of service capability. However, the vulnerability's potential extends beyond simple service disruption, as the nature of stack-based buffer overflows often allows for more sophisticated exploitation techniques that could potentially lead to arbitrary code execution within the context of the running process.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for Outgun users and administrators who may be operating vulnerable versions of the software. The remote attack vector means that malicious actors can exploit this flaw from any network location without requiring local system access or authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user gaming environments where network traffic flows are common. The vulnerability affects the core networking functionality of the application, potentially disrupting gameplay sessions and undermining the overall user experience. Security professionals should note that this issue aligns with CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the execution and privilege escalation domains.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate software updates and patches from the vendor, as the most effective defense against this specific flaw is the deployment of corrected versions that implement proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. System administrators should also consider implementing network-level controls such as firewall rules that restrict access to the vulnerable service ports, although these measures provide only partial protection since the vulnerability exists within the application's core processing logic. Additionally, network monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on unusual data_file_request commands with abnormally long string parameters. The remediation process should also include comprehensive security assessments of all networked applications to identify similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities that may exist in other software components within the organization's infrastructure.