CVE-2009-4846 in Deliantra
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in Deliantra Server before 2.82 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via vectors related to (1) the command_gsay function in server/c_party.C and (2) the book implementation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-4846 represents a critical security flaw in the Deliantra Server software ecosystem, specifically affecting versions prior to 2.82. This issue manifests through multiple buffer overflow conditions that create significant attack vectors for remote adversaries seeking to compromise server systems. The vulnerability impacts the core functionality of the server by introducing memory corruption opportunities that can be exploited to gain unauthorized control over affected systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within two distinct components of the Deliantra Server codebase. The first vector involves the command_gsay function located in server/c_party.C, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overflow buffer structures when processing specific command inputs. The second vulnerability exists within the book implementation module, where similar buffer overflow conditions can be triggered through crafted book-related data manipulation. Both of these flaws fall under the category of improper input validation, which is classified as CWE-121 in the Common Weakness Enumeration system, representing a fundamental weakness in memory safety mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-4846 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as the buffer overflow conditions create opportunities for remote code execution attacks. Attackers can leverage these vulnerabilities to inject malicious code into the server process memory, potentially gaining full administrative control over the affected system. This capability aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1059, which describes the execution of malicious code through command and scripting interpreters. The remote exploitation nature of these vulnerabilities means that attackers do not require local access to the system, making the attack surface significantly broader and more dangerous to organizations running vulnerable server implementations.
Organizations exposed to this vulnerability face substantial risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The buffer overflow conditions create predictable memory corruption patterns that can be reliably exploited by attackers with sufficient technical knowledge. Security practitioners should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit potential attack vectors while prioritizing immediate patching of affected systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in server-side applications, particularly those handling user-provided data through multiple interface points. Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of the vendor-provided security patches, implementation of intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts, and comprehensive security assessments of similar server implementations that may contain analogous vulnerabilities.