CVE-2007-4447 in Toribash
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in the client in Toribash 2.71 and earlier allow remote attackers to (1) execute arbitrary code via a long game command in a replay (.rpl) file and (2) cause a denial of service (application crash) via a long SAY command that omits a required LF character; and allow remote Toribash servers to execute arbitrary code via (3) a long game command and (4) a long SAY command that omits a required LF character.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-4447 represents a critical security flaw in Toribash 2.71 and earlier versions that affects both client and server components of the game. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices within the game's networking and command processing mechanisms. The issue manifests through multiple buffer overflow conditions that can be exploited remotely by malicious actors to gain unauthorized system access or disrupt service availability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves several distinct attack vectors that exploit different aspects of the game's communication protocols. The first vector targets the client application through malformed replay files with excessively long game commands that exceed buffer limits, potentially allowing attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The second vector operates through the SAY command functionality where attackers can craft malicious input that omits the required line feed character, creating buffer overflows that lead to application crashes and denial of service conditions. The third and fourth vectors extend these capabilities to the server-side implementation, where remote attackers can similarly exploit long game commands and malformed SAY commands to achieve arbitrary code execution on the server.
These buffer overflow conditions fall under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input sanitization practices and inadequate memory allocation handling that are common in legacy software implementations. The attack surfaces are particularly dangerous because they can be triggered through normal gameplay interactions, making them difficult to detect and prevent through standard network monitoring approaches.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation to encompass broader security implications for gaming environments and networked applications. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise for vulnerable clients, allowing attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the running game process. Server-side exploitation creates additional risks including potential command execution as a privileged user, which could enable attackers to control game servers, manipulate game state, or launch further attacks against networked infrastructure. The denial of service aspects of this vulnerability can effectively disrupt gameplay and network services, creating availability issues that impact legitimate users.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-4447 require immediate patching of affected Toribash versions to address the buffer overflow conditions in both client and server implementations. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable systems to untrusted networks. Input validation measures including length checking and character set restrictions should be implemented at all communication interfaces to prevent malformed data from reaching vulnerable code paths. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers could leverage the arbitrary code execution capabilities to deploy additional malicious tools or establish persistent access. Regular security audits of legacy gaming software and networked applications are essential to identify similar buffer overflow conditions that may exist in other software components. System administrators should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems capable of identifying patterns associated with buffer overflow exploitation attempts, particularly in gaming network traffic.