CVE-2006-3849 in Warzone Resurrection
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Warzone 2100 and Warzone Resurrection 2.0.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a (1) long message handled by the recvTextMessage function in multiplay.c or a (2) long filename handled by NETrecvFile function in netplay/netplay.c.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/24/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-3849 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow affecting Warzone 2100 and Warzone Resurrection versions 2.0.3 and earlier. This flaw exists within the network communication handling mechanisms of these real-time strategy games, specifically targeting the multiplayer functionality that enables players to connect and exchange data over networks. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation when processing network messages and file transfers, creating an exploitable condition that can be remotely triggered by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through two distinct attack vectors that both leverage improper buffer handling in network communication functions. The first vector involves a long message processed by the recvTextMessage function located in the multiplay.c file, while the second vector targets the NETrecvFile function within netplay/netplay.c that handles filename inputs. Both functions fail to properly validate the length of incoming data before copying it into fixed-size stack buffers, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations and potentially execute arbitrary code. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service or data corruption, as it enables remote code execution capabilities that can be leveraged by attackers to gain complete control over affected systems. When exploited successfully, the buffer overflow allows attackers to overwrite the return address on the stack and redirect program execution to malicious code, potentially leading to privilege escalation, system compromise, or further network infiltration. The nature of this vulnerability makes it particularly dangerous in multiplayer gaming environments where network communication is essential for gameplay, as it can be triggered through legitimate network traffic without requiring special privileges or authentication from the target system.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, as it represents a remote exploitation vector targeting client-side applications through network-based attacks. The affected Warzone 2100 and Warzone Resurrection versions demonstrate the critical importance of input validation in networked applications, particularly those handling untrusted data from remote sources. Organizations and users should immediately implement mitigations including updating to patched versions of the software, implementing network segmentation to limit exposure, and deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the necessity of applying security patches promptly, as the affected versions are from 2006 and no longer receive updates, making them particularly susceptible to exploitation in modern network environments.