CVE-2006-3573 in Sparklet
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in the WriteText function in agl_text.cpp in Milan Mimica Sparklet 0.9.4 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in a player nickname.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3573 represents a critical format string flaw in the Milan Mimica Sparklet 0.9.4 software suite, specifically within the WriteText function located in the agl_text.cpp source file. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-134 category, which specifically addresses the use of format strings without proper validation or sanitization. The flaw manifests when the application processes user-provided input through the player nickname field, which is then passed directly to a printf-style function without adequate sanitization measures. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious nickname strings containing format specifiers such as %x, %s, or %n that manipulate the program's execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple input validation failures, as it provides remote attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. When the malicious nickname is processed through the vulnerable WriteText function, the format string specifiers can cause the application to read from or write to arbitrary memory locations, potentially leading to stack corruption, information disclosure, or complete system compromise. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no local privileges or special access conditions, making it a remote code execution vulnerability that can be exploited over network connections. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers can leverage the format string vulnerability to inject and execute malicious commands within the application context.
The exploitation of CVE-2006-3573 demonstrates how seemingly innocuous input fields can become entry points for sophisticated attacks, particularly when applications fail to properly validate and sanitize user input before processing. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in networked applications where user nicknames are commonly used in chat systems, gaming platforms, or collaborative environments. The lack of proper input sanitization in the WriteText function creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate the application's memory layout and potentially overwrite critical function pointers or return addresses. This type of vulnerability is classified as a software flaw that can lead to privilege escalation, denial of service, or complete system compromise. Security professionals should note that such format string vulnerabilities are often classified under the broader category of buffer overflows and memory corruption issues, making them particularly dangerous in applications that handle untrusted input from remote sources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate code-level fixes and broader architectural security considerations. The primary remediation involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-provided data, particularly when this data is destined for printf-style functions. Developers should replace direct string formatting with safe alternatives such as snprintf or other bounded string functions that prevent buffer overflows. Additionally, the application should employ stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and other exploit mitigation techniques to reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing input filtering mechanisms that strip or escape format specifiers from user input before processing, ensuring that nickname fields cannot contain malicious format string sequences. The vulnerability underscores the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to industry standards such as the OWASP Secure Coding Practices, which specifically address format string vulnerabilities and recommend comprehensive input validation strategies to prevent such exploits from succeeding.