CVE-2012-1189 in TORCS
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in modules/graphic/ssgraph/grsound.cpp in The Open Racing Car Simulator (TORCS) before 1.3.3 and Speed Dreams allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long file name in an engine sample attribute in an xml configuration file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1189 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw discovered in The Open Racing Car Simulator TORCS version 1.3.2 and earlier, as well as in Speed Dreams, which are open-source racing simulation platforms. This vulnerability resides within the graphic module's sound handling component at modules/graphic/ssgraph/grsound.cpp, specifically in how the software processes engine sample attributes within xml configuration files. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code when a maliciously crafted xml file containing an excessively long file name is processed by the application, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where users might encounter such files through downloads or shared resources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a classic stack buffer overflow mechanism where the application fails to properly validate the length of file names contained within xml attributes before copying them into fixed-size stack buffers. When an attacker provides an xml configuration file with an unusually long file name in the engine sample attribute, the software attempts to copy this data into a buffer that cannot accommodate the excessive length, causing the stack to overflow and potentially allowing an attacker to overwrite critical memory locations including return addresses and function pointers. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is categorized under the broader category of CWE-119 Improper Access to Memory Locations, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: Unix Shell for potential exploitation paths where attackers might leverage the arbitrary code execution to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within the compromised system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to gain full control over the affected systems running TORCS or Speed Dreams. In gaming contexts, this could allow attackers to compromise player machines through malicious race tracks or car configurations distributed via online communities or mod repositories. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous for online gaming platforms or simulation environments where users frequently download and install third-party content. Additionally, since these are open-source racing simulators used in educational and research contexts, the vulnerability could potentially be exploited in academic or professional settings where such software is deployed for training purposes or automotive research applications, leading to data compromise or system takeover scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-1189 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to version 1.3.3 or later, which includes proper bounds checking and input validation for xml configuration file attributes. System administrators should implement strict file validation policies for xml content, particularly when processing user-generated or third-party configurations, and deploy input sanitization measures that enforce maximum length limits for file names and attribute values. Network-level defenses should include content filtering and sandboxing of xml file processing, while application-level protections should incorporate stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and non-executable stack protections to reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure coding practices in open-source projects, particularly regarding input validation and memory management, as highlighted in industry standards such as the CERT Secure Coding Standards and OWASP Top Ten security practices, which emphasize the need for robust buffer overflow prevention mechanisms in all software development lifecycle phases.