CVE-2013-2604 in RealArcade Installer
Summary
by MITRE
RealNetworks GameHouse RealArcade Installer (aka ActiveMARK Game Installer) 2.6.0.481 and 3.0.7 uses weak permissions (Create Files/Write Data) for the GameHouse Games directory tree, which allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in an individual game s directory, as demonstrated by DDRAW.DLL in the Zuma Deluxe directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/02/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2604 affects RealNetworks GameHouse RealArcade Installer versions 2.6.0.481 and 3.0.7, representing a critical privilege escalation issue within the installer's directory permission structure. This flaw stems from the installer's improper handling of file system permissions for the GameHouse Games directory tree, where it grants overly permissive Create Files/Write Data access rights to the installation directory and its subdirectories. The vulnerability manifests when local users can manipulate the installation environment through strategically placed malicious DLL files within individual game directories, exploiting the weak permission model to elevate their privileges. The specific demonstration involves the placement of a malicious DDRAW.DLL file within the Zuma Deluxe directory, which illustrates how attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper file permissions and inadequate access control mechanisms. The flaw represents a classic case of privilege escalation through insecure file system permissions, where the installer fails to properly restrict write access to critical installation directories. The attack vector operates through a Trojan horse approach where malicious DLLs are placed in game-specific directories, and these components are subsequently loaded by the system due to the weak permission model that allows arbitrary file creation and modification. This vulnerability operates at the operating system level and exploits the Windows dynamic link library loading mechanism, where the system loads DLLs from the current working directory before searching system directories, creating an opportunity for privilege escalation.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-2604 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data integrity violations. Local attackers who can write to the GameHouse Games directory can effectively bypass normal access controls and execute malicious code with the privileges of the target user, potentially leading to full system compromise if the user has elevated permissions. The vulnerability affects the integrity of the installation environment and creates a persistent threat vector that remains active until the permission structure is corrected. The attack requires local system access and basic file manipulation capabilities, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local users might have elevated privileges or where users are tricked into installing malicious software through social engineering tactics. This vulnerability also relates to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers the use of elevated privileges to execute malicious code, and T1548.002, which addresses abuse of elevated privileges for privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-2604 require immediate attention to the file system permission model implemented by the RealArcade installer. System administrators should immediately review and correct the directory permissions for the GameHouse Games installation tree, ensuring that write access is restricted to authorized users and processes only. The recommended approach involves implementing proper access control lists that prevent local users from creating or modifying files within the installation directories, particularly those directories that are part of the system's dynamic link library search path. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of installing software from untrusted sources and the importance of maintaining secure file system permissions. The vulnerability also highlights the need for proper software development practices that include secure coding guidelines and permission management, particularly for installation and update mechanisms. Organizations should consider implementing automated permission auditing tools to detect and correct similar issues in other software installations. The fix should involve updating the RealArcade installer to properly enforce restrictive permissions and ensure that only legitimate system processes can modify installation components, aligning with security best practices outlined in industry standards such as the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and NIST guidelines for secure software development.