CVE-2009-2548 in Arma 2
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in Armed Assault (aka ArmA) 1.14 and earlier, and 1.16 beta, and Armed Assault II 1.02 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in the (1) nickname and (2) datafile fields in a join request, which is not properly handled when logging an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2019
This vulnerability exists in the gaming client software Armed Assault and its sequel Armed Assault II, specifically affecting versions up to 1.14 and 1.16 beta for the original game, and 1.02 and earlier for the sequel. The flaw manifests as a format string vulnerability that occurs when the application processes join requests from remote players. When attackers craft malicious nickname or datafile fields containing format specifiers such as %s, %d, or %x, the application fails to properly sanitize these inputs before using them in logging functions. This improper handling creates a dangerous condition where attacker-controlled data can be interpreted as format string directives rather than simple text, leading to unpredictable behavior in the application's memory management and execution flow.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's use of insecure string formatting functions that directly incorporate user-supplied data into printf or similar functions without proper validation or sanitization. When the game client encounters a join request with malicious format specifiers, it attempts to log this information to error messages, but the format string processing allows attackers to manipulate the stack contents, potentially causing the application to crash or execute unintended code. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited over a network connection without requiring any special privileges or authentication, making it an attractive target for remote attackers who wish to disrupt gameplay or gain unauthorized code execution capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it represents a potential path for remote code execution that could allow attackers to compromise game servers or client machines. When exploited successfully, attackers could manipulate the application's memory layout, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the running game process. This creates significant security implications for multiplayer gaming environments where server integrity and client security are paramount, as compromised clients could be used to attack other players or gain access to sensitive game data. The vulnerability affects both the original Armed Assault and its sequel, indicating a fundamental flaw in the input validation mechanisms that persisted across different versions of the software.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected software versions to address the improper input handling in the logging functions. System administrators should ensure that all game clients and servers are updated to versions that properly sanitize user inputs before processing them in logging operations. Network administrators should implement monitoring of join requests and suspicious packet patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-134, which specifically addresses the use of format strings with user-supplied data, and represents a classic example of how improper input validation can lead to severe security consequences. Additionally, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves the use of legitimate credentials to access systems, as attackers could leverage this vulnerability to compromise game environments and potentially gain further access to associated systems. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls around gaming infrastructure to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.