CVE-2007-4533 in Vavoom
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in the Say command in sv_main.cpp in Vavoom 1.24 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in a chat message, related to a call to the BroadcastPrintf function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4533 represents a critical format string vulnerability within the Vavoom game engine version 1.24 and earlier. This flaw exists in the Say command implementation within the sv_main.cpp source file, where the engine fails to properly sanitize user input before processing it through the BroadcastPrintf function. The vulnerability arises from the improper handling of format specifiers in chat messages, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary format string directives that can be exploited to execute unauthorized code on affected systems.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-134, which specifically addresses format string vulnerabilities where format specifiers are derived from untrusted input sources. When a user sends a chat message containing format string specifiers such as %x, %s, or %n, the BroadcastPrintf function processes these without proper validation or sanitization. This creates an opportunity for attackers to manipulate memory contents, potentially leading to stack smashing, information disclosure, or code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multiplayer gaming environments where users can communicate through chat systems, making it a prime target for exploitation in networked gaming scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a fundamental security flaw in the game engine's input handling mechanisms. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain arbitrary code execution privileges on systems running vulnerable versions of Vavoom, potentially allowing them to escalate their access, modify game state, or even compromise the entire system. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur without requiring local system access, making it particularly concerning for online gaming environments where multiple players interact. This vulnerability affects the core communication functionality of the game engine, potentially undermining the security of entire multiplayer sessions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-4533 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Vavoom installations to version 1.25 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the format string vulnerability. System administrators should implement network-level restrictions to limit chat functionality in multiplayer environments until patches are applied, while also monitoring for suspicious chat activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper string formatting practices in software development, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and establish secure coding practices that prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in future development cycles, particularly focusing on proper input sanitization and the use of secure string formatting functions like snprintf instead of sprintf.