CVE-2006-3791 in UFO2000
Summary
by MITRE
The decode_stringmap function in server_transport.cpp for UFO2000 svn 1057 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (daemon termination) via a large keysize or valsize, which causes a crash when the resize function cannot allocate sufficient memory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3791 resides within the decode_stringmap function of the server_transport.cpp file in UFO2000 version controlled through svn revision 1057. This flaw represents a classic buffer overflow condition that manifests during memory allocation operations when processing malformed input data. The affected software component operates as part of a daemon process responsible for network communication and data handling within the UFO2000 gaming platform. The vulnerability specifically targets the memory management mechanisms that handle string mappings during server transport operations, creating a critical point of failure that can be exploited by remote attackers to disrupt service availability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory allocation handling within the decode_stringmap function. When remote attackers submit crafted payloads containing excessively large keysize or valsize parameters, the function attempts to resize internal data structures without proper bounds checking. This leads to memory allocation failures that ultimately result in daemon termination. The flaw operates at the intersection of memory management and input processing, where the resize operation fails to handle allocation failures gracefully, causing the application to crash rather than properly handling the exceptional condition. The vulnerability demonstrates poor error handling practices that are commonly classified under CWE-129, which addresses insufficient validation of length of input buffers.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant denial of service risk that can be exploited by any remote attacker with access to the network interface where the UFO2000 daemon is running. The impact extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially affect game availability and player experience within the gaming community. The daemon termination creates a cascading effect that may require manual intervention to restore service, leading to operational downtime and potential loss of game state data. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which describes the use of resource exhaustion and service disruption as methods for achieving denial of service attacks against systems. The attack vector requires minimal privileges and can be executed automatically, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the daemon operates continuously.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and robust error handling mechanisms within the memory allocation processes. Developers should ensure that all resize operations include bounds checking and proper error handling for allocation failures. Input parameters for keysize and valsize should be validated against reasonable maximum limits before any memory allocation occurs. Additionally, implementing defensive programming practices such as using safe memory allocation functions and incorporating graceful degradation mechanisms can prevent the daemon from terminating unexpectedly. The fix should also consider implementing timeout mechanisms and connection limits to prevent exploitation through resource exhaustion attacks. Organizations should also maintain updated versions of the software and implement network segmentation to limit exposure to potential attackers. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper memory management in server applications, particularly those handling untrusted network input data.