CVE-2007-0657 in Nexuiz
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Nexuiz 2.2.2 allows remote attackers to read and overwrite arbitrary files via the gamedir command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0657 represents a critical file system access flaw within Nexuiz 2.2.2, a first-person shooter game built on the ioquake3 engine. This unspecified weakness in the game's command processing mechanism creates a path for remote attackers to manipulate the file system through the gamedir command, which is typically used to specify the game directory for configuration and data storage. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the game's command handling routines, allowing malicious actors to craft specially formatted commands that bypass normal file system access controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the gamedir command parameter, which when improperly validated can accept directory traversal sequences or other malicious input patterns. Attackers can leverage this flaw to read arbitrary files from the system where the game is installed, potentially accessing sensitive configuration files, user data, or even system files that should remain protected. Additionally, the vulnerability permits overwriting arbitrary files, enabling attackers to modify game configuration files, inject malicious code into game assets, or corrupt critical system components. This dual capability of both information disclosure and file manipulation creates a particularly dangerous attack surface that can be exploited for further compromise of the affected system.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-0657 extends beyond simple game data manipulation to encompass potential system compromise and persistent access. When exploited, this vulnerability allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to the file system, potentially enabling them to read sensitive information stored in game directories, modify game behavior through configuration changes, or even establish persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability affects systems where the game is installed with default permissions, particularly those running on Windows or Linux systems where the game executable maintains elevated privileges or has access to user data directories. This flaw represents a classic example of a command injection vulnerability that can be exploited through network-based attacks, as the gamedir command is likely exposed through the game's network protocol or command interface.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all command parameters, particularly those related to file system operations. System administrators should ensure that game installations are configured with minimal necessary privileges and that file system access controls are properly enforced. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and CWE-77, which covers command injection flaws. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1074 for data staging, as attackers would need to stage their payloads and execute commands through the vulnerable interface. Patching the underlying ioquake3 engine and updating Nexuiz to versions that properly validate command parameters represents the most effective remediation strategy, while network segmentation and firewall rules can provide temporary protection against exploitation attempts.