CVE-2008-0647 in GLWorld
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in the HanGamePluginCn18.HanGamePluginCn18.1 ActiveX control in HanGamePluginCn18.dll in Ourgame GLWorld 2.6.1.29 (aka Lianzong Game Platform) allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via long arguments to the (1) hgs_startGame and (2) hgs_startNotify methods, as exploited in the wild as of February 2008. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0647 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the HanGamePluginCn18.ActiveX control component of Ourgame GLWorld 2.6.1.29, also known as the Lianzong Game Platform. This security weakness resides in the HanGamePluginCn18.dll file and specifically affects two methods within the ActiveX control: hgs_startGame and hgs_startNotify. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly bounds-check user-supplied arguments before copying them into fixed-length stack buffers, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of string parameters passed to the affected ActiveX methods. When attackers provide excessively long arguments to either hgs_startGame or hgs_startNotify functions, the control fails to validate the input length against the allocated buffer size, resulting in a classic stack overflow condition. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is categorized under the broader CWE-119 category of memory safety issues. The overflow occurs because the ActiveX control uses unsafe string handling functions that do not perform adequate bounds checking, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory including return addresses and control flow information.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-0647 is severe and has been demonstrated in real-world exploitation scenarios since February 2008. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected user, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the context of a widely deployed gaming platform, making it accessible to a large attack surface. The ActiveX control's integration with web browsers and gaming environments provides multiple attack vectors, including malicious web pages, email attachments, or compromised gaming platforms that can trigger the exploit automatically without user interaction.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly focusing on initial access through malicious websites and privilege escalation via code execution. The attack chain typically involves delivering a malicious webpage or application that loads the vulnerable ActiveX control, which then triggers the buffer overflow when processing specially crafted arguments. This vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics of ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, as the executed code can leverage various scripting languages or system commands. Organizations using the affected Lianzong Game Platform should consider implementing comprehensive network segmentation, browser security restrictions, and ActiveX control whitelisting policies as part of their defensive strategy.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0647 should include immediate patching of the affected Ourgame GLWorld software to version 2.6.1.30 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. System administrators should also implement browser security measures such as disabling ActiveX controls, implementing zone-based security policies, and deploying application whitelisting solutions to prevent execution of untrusted ActiveX components. Network-based mitigations should include firewall rules that restrict access to known vulnerable platforms and monitoring for suspicious ActiveX-related network traffic patterns. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and downloading content from unknown sources, as these remain primary attack vectors for exploiting such vulnerabilities. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in ActiveX development, particularly in enterprise gaming platforms that handle sensitive user data and system resources.