CVE-2011-1412 in engine
Summary
by MITRE
sys/sys_unix.c in the ioQuake3 engine on Unix and Linux, as used in World of Padman 1.5.x before 1.5.1.1 and OpenArena 0.8.x-15 and 0.8.x-16, allows remote game servers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in a long fs_game variable.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/17/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1412 represents a critical command injection flaw within the ioQuake3 engine implementation on Unix and Linux systems. This issue affects popular gaming platforms including World of Padman versions prior to 1.5.1.1 and OpenArena versions 0.8.x-15 and 0.8.x-16, where the game engine fails to properly sanitize user input during file system operations. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of the fs_game variable parameter, which is utilized to specify game directories and mod locations within the quake engine framework.
The technical exploitation occurs through shell metacharacters embedded within an excessively long fs_game variable value. When remote game servers transmit maliciously crafted input containing special shell characters such as semicolons, pipes, or command substitutions, the ioQuake3 engine processes these inputs without adequate validation or sanitization. This processing flaw allows attackers to inject arbitrary shell commands that execute with the privileges of the game server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability specifically resides in sys/sys_unix.c file where Unix-specific system calls are handled, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where game servers might be running with elevated permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to the underlying operating system resources. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute system commands such as file manipulation, network reconnaissance, privilege escalation, or even establish persistent backdoors on the affected systems. The remote nature of the attack means that malicious actors do not require local access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for online gaming servers that are publicly accessible. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in shell commands, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.004 for command and scripting interpreter. The vulnerability is further classified under the broader category of privilege escalation attacks that can lead to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1412 primarily involve immediate patching of affected game server software to versions that properly sanitize input parameters. System administrators should implement strict input validation on all fs_game variable values, particularly limiting the length of user-supplied parameters and filtering out dangerous shell metacharacters. Network-level protections including firewall rules and intrusion detection systems can help monitor for suspicious command injection patterns. Additionally, running game servers with minimal required privileges and implementing proper input sanitization within the application code can significantly reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to isolate gaming servers from critical system infrastructure, thereby limiting the potential impact of successful exploitation. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation in game engines and server applications, particularly those handling user-provided data in multi-user environments.