CVE-2006-3674 in Armagetron Advanced
Summary
by MITRE
nNetObject.cpp in Armagetron Advanced 2.8.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (CPU consumption) via a large number handled by the id_req_handler function.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/16/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3674 resides within the Armagetron Advanced gaming platform version 2.8.2 and earlier, specifically within the nNetObject.cpp component. This flaw represents a classic denial of service vulnerability that can be exploited remotely by malicious actors to consume excessive CPU resources, effectively disrupting the availability of the affected system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects a gaming platform that may be deployed in networked environments where continuous availability is critical for multiplayer gaming experiences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the id_req_handler function, which processes incoming network requests related to object identification within the game's network protocol. When an attacker sends a large number of crafted requests to this handler, the function fails to properly validate or limit the processing of these requests, leading to a scenario where the system's CPU resources become consumed at an excessive rate. This behavior aligns with CWE-400, which categorizes uncontrolled resource consumption as a significant security weakness that can lead to denial of service conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can effectively render the gaming platform unusable for legitimate users. In multiplayer gaming environments, where server stability and performance are paramount, such CPU consumption attacks can prevent new players from joining games, cause existing games to freeze or crash, and ultimately degrade the overall gaming experience. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in competitive gaming scenarios where server uptime directly impacts player satisfaction and competitive integrity. Attackers can exploit this weakness with minimal resources, making it an attractive vector for disruptive attacks against gaming communities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and resource limiting mechanisms within the id_req_handler function. The most effective approach involves adding bounds checking to prevent excessive processing of network requests, implementing rate limiting to control the number of requests processed per unit time, and establishing proper error handling that prevents resource exhaustion. Security measures should also include network-level protections such as firewall rules that limit the number of connections from individual IP addresses and monitoring systems that can detect unusual CPU consumption patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege and ensuring that the gaming platform runs with minimal necessary permissions to reduce the potential impact of such attacks. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation and resource management in networked applications, particularly those designed for real-time interaction where availability is critical. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks, and highlights the need for proper resource management and input validation to prevent exploitation of such weaknesses.