CVE-2015-0844 in Battle for Wesnoth
Summary
by MITRE
The WML/Lua API in Battle for Wesnoth 1.7.x through 1.11.x and 1.12.x before 1.12.2 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a crafted (1) campaign or (2) map file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0844 represents a critical file inclusion flaw within the WML/Lua API implementation of the popular turn-based strategy game Battle for Wesnoth. This security weakness affects versions ranging from 1.7.x through 1.11.x and 1.12.x prior to the release of 1.12.2, creating a persistent risk across multiple stable releases of the game engine. The vulnerability specifically targets the game's scripting interface that processes campaign and map files, which are essential components for game content delivery and gameplay functionality. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious campaign or map files that leverage the WML/Lua API to access arbitrary files on the target system, potentially leading to unauthorized data disclosure and system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the WML/Lua processing pipeline. When the game engine encounters specially crafted campaign or map files, it fails to properly validate the file paths or content references that are processed through the Lua scripting interface. This allows attackers to manipulate the file inclusion mechanisms to traverse the filesystem and access files that should normally be restricted. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely through the distribution of malicious game content, making it particularly dangerous in multiplayer environments where users might download and play content from untrusted sources. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-0844 extends beyond simple file disclosure, potentially enabling attackers to access sensitive system information, configuration files, or even credentials stored within the game's data directories. In environments where Battle for Wesnoth is used for educational purposes or collaborative gaming, this vulnerability could allow attackers to compromise user data or gain insights into system configurations. The remote exploitation capability means that adversaries do not require local access to the system, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in shared hosting environments or when users download content from untrusted sources. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically focusing on the exploitation of application scripting interfaces to achieve unauthorized access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-0844 primarily focus on updating to the patched version 1.12.2 or later, which implements proper input validation and sanitization of file paths within the WML/Lua API. System administrators should also implement strict content validation policies for campaign and map files, particularly in multiplayer environments where user-generated content is prevalent. Additional protective measures include restricting file permissions on sensitive directories, implementing network segmentation to limit access to game servers, and establishing secure content distribution practices. Organizations using Battle for Wesnoth in enterprise or educational settings should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted game content. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation in application scripting interfaces and serves as a reminder of the security implications of allowing dynamic code execution within game engines, particularly when processing user-provided content.