CVE-2007-5464 in Live for Speed
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Live for Speed 0.5X10 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to cause a denial of service (client crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long skin name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5464 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw discovered in Live for Speed version 0.5X10 and earlier. This gaming application, designed for competitive racing simulation, contained a programming error that manifested when processing user-defined skin names during client initialization. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the application's memory management routines, specifically affecting how the software handles character string data when assigning custom skin names to racing vehicles. The vulnerability exists in the client-side application code where user-provided data is directly copied into fixed-size stack buffers without proper bounds checking, creating an exploitable condition that can be triggered through network-based attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic stack buffer overflow scenario where a maliciously crafted skin name string exceeds the predetermined buffer capacity allocated for storing skin identifiers. When an authenticated user submits a skin name containing excessive characters, the application fails to validate the input length before copying it into a fixed-size memory buffer on the stack. This condition allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses, stack canaries, and other critical program state information. The vulnerability's classification as a stack-based buffer overflow aligns with CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions that occur when insufficient bounds checking is performed on stack-allocated buffers. The flaw demonstrates poor secure coding practices that violate fundamental principles of memory safety and input validation.
Operationally, this vulnerability creates significant security implications for Live for Speed users and network administrators. Remote authenticated attackers can exploit this weakness to either crash client applications through controlled memory corruption or potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user. The denial of service aspect manifests as client crashes that disrupt gameplay sessions and can be used as a vector for persistent service disruption. In scenarios where the application executes with elevated privileges or where attackers can manipulate the execution environment, the arbitrary code execution capability could enable full system compromise. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond individual client experiences to potentially affect networked gaming environments where multiple users interact through shared servers or matchmaking systems, creating opportunities for coordinated attacks that could disrupt entire gaming communities.
The exploitation of CVE-2007-5464 aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage and T1203 for exploitation for execution. Network-based attackers with valid authentication credentials can leverage this vulnerability through the game's network protocols to deliver malicious skin name payloads that trigger the buffer overflow. Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch deployment for the affected Live for Speed versions, implementing proper input validation controls, and applying network segmentation measures to limit the attack surface. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies, monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns, and establishing robust incident response procedures for handling potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in client applications, particularly those handling user-generated content in networked environments, and serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular security assessments and vulnerability management processes.