CVE-2009-2916 in Vietcong 2
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in the CNS_AddTxt function in logs.dll in 2K Games Vietcong 2 1.10 and earlier might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in the nickname.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2916 represents a critical format string flaw within the logs.dll component of 2K Games Vietcong 2 version 1.10 and earlier releases. This issue resides specifically within the CNS_AddTxt function, which processes user-generated content including nicknames within the game's logging system. The flaw emerges from insufficient input validation and improper handling of user-supplied strings that are directly incorporated into format string operations without proper sanitization or encoding. Such vulnerabilities fall under the category of CWE-134, which specifically addresses the use of format strings without proper validation, making them susceptible to exploitation by malicious actors who can manipulate the format specifiers to execute arbitrary code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides remote attackers with the capability to inject malicious payloads directly into the game's logging infrastructure. When a user enters a nickname containing specially crafted format specifiers, these strings are processed by the vulnerable CNS_AddTxt function, potentially leading to stack corruption, memory access violations, or direct code injection. Attackers can leverage this weakness to overwrite critical memory locations, redirect program execution flow, or even escalate privileges within the context of the running game process. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers command and scripting interpreter execution through format string vulnerabilities.
The exploitation of CVE-2009-2916 typically involves crafting a malicious nickname string containing format specifiers such as %x, %s, or %n that manipulate the stack during printf or similar function calls. These specifiers can be used to read arbitrary memory locations, write data to specific addresses, or cause buffer overflows that ultimately result in code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multiplayer gaming environments where users can submit nicknames that are logged and processed by the vulnerable system. Network-based attacks can be executed without requiring local system access, making this a remotely exploitable vulnerability that affects the game's network communication protocols and user authentication mechanisms. The security implications extend to potential denial of service conditions, data corruption, and complete system compromise if proper input sanitization measures are not implemented. Organizations and game developers should implement comprehensive input validation, use safe string formatting functions, and apply immediate patches to address this vulnerability before it can be exploited in real-world scenarios.