CVE-2008-1127 in Crysis
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in the cryactio function in Crysis 1.1.1.5879 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in the user name, which is triggered when the game character is killed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1127 represents a critical format string flaw within the Crysis game engine version 1.1.1.5879. This issue resides in the cryactio function which processes user input during gameplay scenarios. The flaw manifests when a game character is killed, triggering a specific code path that improperly handles user-provided data without adequate sanitization or validation. The vulnerability specifically affects authenticated remote users who can manipulate the username field to inject malicious format specifiers that exploit the underlying printf-style function calls.
This format string vulnerability falls under the CWE-134 classification, which specifically addresses the use of untrusted data in format string functions. The technical implementation of this flaw occurs when the game engine processes player names during character death events, where the username parameter is directly passed to a vulnerable printf function without proper input sanitization. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting specially formatted usernames containing format specifiers such as %x, %s, or %n that can cause the application to read from or write to arbitrary memory locations. The exploitation mechanism allows for arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the game process, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to manipulate memory contents and potentially escalate privileges within the gaming environment. When a player dies in Crysis, the game's death sequence triggers the vulnerable function, providing a consistent attack vector that can be reliably exploited. The vulnerability affects all authenticated users within the game's networked environment, making it particularly dangerous in multiplayer scenarios where attackers can target other players. This flaw also represents a significant concern for game server administrators who must protect against authenticated remote code execution attacks that could compromise entire gaming networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patching of the Crysis game engine to address the format string vulnerability in the cryactio function. System administrators should implement input validation measures that sanitize all user-provided data, particularly username fields, before they are processed by any printf-style functions. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the attack surface of gaming servers, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect anomalous username patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper software development practices including the use of secure coding standards and regular security testing to prevent similar issues in future game releases. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting and privilege separation techniques to minimize the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.