CVE-2008-3577 in openttd
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in src/openttd.cpp in OpenTTD before 0.6.2 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a large filename supplied to the "-g" parameter in the ttd_main function. NOTE: it is unlikely that this issue would cross privilege boundaries in typical environments.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3577 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the OpenTTD gaming engine that affects versions prior to 0.6.2. This issue resides in the src/openttd.cpp source file and specifically targets the ttd_main function that processes command-line arguments. The vulnerability manifests when a local attacker provides an excessively long filename through the "-g" parameter, which is designed to specify a game save file or scenario. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the argument parsing routine, creating a condition where user-supplied data can overwrite adjacent memory regions beyond the allocated buffer space.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic buffer overflow pattern where the application fails to properly validate the length of user-provided input before copying it into a fixed-size buffer. When the "-g" parameter receives a filename exceeding the predetermined buffer limits, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow, stack frames, or critical variables. This overflow condition creates an opportunity for arbitrary code execution, as the attacker can manipulate the overwritten memory to redirect program execution to malicious code. The vulnerability operates at the application level and requires local system access, though the privilege escalation potential remains limited in typical deployment scenarios where the game runs with user-level permissions.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant security implications for systems running vulnerable versions of OpenTTD, particularly in environments where users might have the ability to execute the game with elevated privileges or where the game is used in server configurations. The attack vector is relatively straightforward requiring only local access to manipulate command-line arguments, making it accessible to users with system-level privileges or those who can influence the game execution environment. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially allow privilege escalation or system compromise, especially when combined with other vulnerabilities or when the game is run with elevated permissions. The vulnerability's low complexity and high exploitability make it particularly concerning for environments where OpenTTD is deployed in multi-user or enterprise settings.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3577 should prioritize immediate patching of affected OpenTTD installations to version 0.6.2 or later, which contains the necessary buffer overflow protections and input validation fixes. System administrators should implement proper access controls to limit local user privileges when running gaming applications, particularly in shared or multi-user environments. Additional protective measures include deploying application whitelisting solutions to restrict execution of untrusted binaries, implementing runtime application protection mechanisms, and conducting regular security assessments of gaming environments. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of improper input validation that violates the principle of least privilege and secure coding practices. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability could be leveraged in combination with other attack vectors to compromise system integrity. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched versions to ensure that security fixes do not introduce regressions in game functionality while maintaining the application's intended user experience.