CVE-2007-5265 in Dawn of Time
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple format string vulnerabilities in websrv.cpp in Dawn of Time 1.69s beta4 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in the (1) username or (2) password fields when accessing certain "restricted zones", which are not properly handled by the (a) processWebHeader and (b) filterWebRequest functions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/22/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-5265 represents a critical format string vulnerability within the Dawn of Time MUD server software version 1.69s beta4 and earlier. This flaw exists in the websrv.cpp file where the application fails to properly sanitize user input when processing web requests, specifically in the processWebHeader and filterWebRequest functions. The vulnerability manifests when attackers provide specially crafted format string specifiers in either the username or password fields during access attempts to restricted zones within the MUD environment. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-134 classification as it involves the improper use of format string functions where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into format strings without proper validation or sanitization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs because the application's web server component does not properly validate or escape input parameters before using them in printf-style format string operations. When an attacker supplies malicious format specifiers in the username or password fields, the application's processing functions interpret these specifiers as instructions for formatting output rather than as literal input data. This misinterpretation allows attackers to manipulate memory contents, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the web server process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects authentication mechanisms, meaning attackers could potentially gain unauthorized access to restricted zones of the MUD system, which often contain administrative functions or sensitive game data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary code on the server hosting the Dawn of Time MUD. This could result in complete system compromise, data theft, or service disruption for legitimate users. The restricted zones mentioned in the vulnerability description likely contain administrative controls or sensitive game information, making unauthorized access particularly damaging. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability operates within the ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as the execution of arbitrary code represents a fundamental compromise of system integrity. The vulnerability also aligns with T1566.001 for Phishing, as attackers might exploit this weakness through web-based attacks targeting the MUD's web interface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5265 should focus on immediate patching of the affected Dawn of Time software to version 1.69s beta5 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the format string handling. Additionally, administrators should implement input validation and sanitization measures at the application level, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly escaped before being used in format string operations. Network-level protections such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help monitor for suspicious format string patterns in web traffic. The implementation of proper access controls and the restriction of web interface access to trusted users only can also limit the attack surface. From a defensive standpoint, the use of modern programming practices including safe string handling functions like snprintf instead of sprintf, along with comprehensive input validation, would prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in future implementations. Regular security audits and penetration testing of MUD server environments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in other components of the system architecture.