CVE-2007-4444 in rFactor
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in Image Space rFactor 1.250 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a packet with ID (1) 0x80 or (2) 0x88 to UDP port 34297, related to the buffer containing the server version number.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-4444 represents a critical buffer overflow issue affecting Image Space rFactor version 1.250 and earlier implementations. This flaw exists within the network protocol handling mechanism of the rFactor gaming server software, specifically targeting the UDP port 34297 which serves as the primary communication channel for server status and player information exchange. The vulnerability manifests when the server receives specially crafted packets with specific identifiers, namely packet ID 0x80 or 0x88, which trigger memory corruption in the buffer handling routines. The buffer overflow occurs in the section responsible for storing and processing the server version number, creating a potential exploitation vector for remote code execution attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory management within the rFactor server's network packet processing code. When the server receives a UDP packet with either of the specified IDs, the application fails to properly bounds-check the incoming data before copying it into a fixed-size buffer. This lack of proper validation allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting the program's execution flow and enabling arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication or prior access to the system, making it a classic remote code execution flaw that can be exploited over the network.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over affected rFactor servers. Successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise, allowing threat actors to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised servers as launch points for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects gaming environments where rFactor servers are deployed, potentially disrupting online gaming experiences and compromising the integrity of game sessions. Network administrators and game server operators face significant risk as this flaw enables unauthorized access to their gaming infrastructure without requiring any privileged credentials or local system access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-4444 should focus on immediate patch application, as the vulnerability has been addressed through software updates provided by Image Space. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of UDP port 34297 to trusted networks only, while also monitoring for suspicious traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how improper input validation can lead to remote code execution. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability would be categorized under the initial access and execution phases of the ATT&CK methodology, potentially enabling lateral movement and persistence within affected networks. Regular security assessments and network monitoring should be implemented to detect any exploitation attempts, while system administrators should ensure all gaming server software remains updated with the latest security patches to prevent similar vulnerabilities from arising in the future.