CVE-2006-3491 in Kaillera
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Kaillera Server 0.86 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long nickname.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3491 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in Kaillera Server version 0.86 and earlier implementations. This issue resides within the server's handling of user-provided nickname data during client connection processes, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize the length of nickname strings submitted by connecting clients. When an attacker submits a nickname exceeding the allocated buffer size, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow and allowing malicious code injection. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue affecting software systems that do not properly enforce buffer boundaries during stack operations. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no authentication or privileged access, enabling any remote attacker to exploit the vulnerability simply by connecting to the server with a specially crafted nickname string. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate code execution capabilities, as successful exploitation could provide attackers with complete control over the affected server instance, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, or further network infiltration through the compromised server as a pivot point. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it affects a network service that typically operates with elevated privileges, making successful exploitation particularly dangerous for network infrastructure. From an adversarial perspective, this flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as attackers could leverage the remote execution capability to deploy malicious payloads or establish persistent access. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper memory management in network services, particularly those handling untrusted data from remote sources. Organizations running affected Kaillera Server versions face significant risk of unauthorized access and system compromise, highlighting the necessity of immediate patching and mitigation strategies. The flaw also illustrates common software security weaknesses that persist in legacy systems, where input sanitization and buffer management practices may not have been adequately implemented or maintained. Remediation efforts must focus on implementing proper bounds checking, input length validation, and updating to patched versions of the software. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure while patches are deployed, as the vulnerability's remote nature makes it particularly attractive to attackers seeking to compromise network infrastructure without physical access to systems.