CVE-2006-7096 in dim3
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the network_host_handle_join function in host.c in dimension 3 engine (dim3) 1.5 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long nickname.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-7096 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the dimension 3 engine version 1.5 and earlier, specifically affecting the network_host_handle_join function in the host.c file. This vulnerability resides in the core networking functionality of the software, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication or prior access to the system. The flaw manifests when a malicious actor sends a specially crafted nickname that exceeds the allocated buffer size, triggering unpredictable behavior in the application's memory management.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The network_host_handle_join function processes incoming connection requests from network hosts and handles nickname registration, making it a prime target for exploitation. When a long nickname is received, the function fails to properly validate the input length against the predefined buffer capacity, enabling attackers to overwrite stack canaries, return addresses, or other critical memory segments. This type of vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, where adversaries leverage buffer overflow conditions to gain remote code execution capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it potentially enables remote code execution in the target system. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can cause the application to crash and potentially gain control over the execution flow, allowing for arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected service. The consequences include complete system compromise, data theft, or the installation of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects all versions of the dimension 3 engine up to and including version 1.5, indicating a long-standing issue that likely affected numerous installations across various network environments. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the network, making it particularly dangerous for services exposed to public networks or internet-facing applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must include immediate patching of the dimension 3 engine to version 1.6 or later, which contains the necessary buffer size validation fixes. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable systems to untrusted networks. Input validation should be strengthened at all levels, particularly for network-facing applications that process user-provided data. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while intrusion detection systems should be configured to alert on potential buffer overflow signatures. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected components within their network infrastructure, as similar vulnerabilities may exist in related software components. The fix should also include implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms and adopting secure coding practices that prevent similar issues from occurring in future development cycles.