CVE-2016-4853 in Game
Summary
by MITRE
AKABEi SOFT2 games allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary OS commands via crafted saved data, as demonstrated by Happy Wardrobe.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/06/2019
CVE-2016-4853 represents a critical command injection vulnerability affecting AKABEi SOFT2 games, specifically demonstrated through the Happy Wardrobe title. This vulnerability resides in the game's saved data handling mechanism, where maliciously crafted save files can trigger arbitrary operating system command execution on affected systems. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the game's data parsing routines, allowing attackers to inject OS-level commands through specially constructed save game data. When a user loads a compromised save file, the game engine processes the malicious input without proper security controls, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the running game process. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-77 Command Injection, which is classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as a fundamental security flaw in software applications that fail to properly sanitize user inputs before using them in system commands. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to the underlying operating system, enabling them to perform actions such as file manipulation, system reconnaissance, privilege escalation, and even persistence mechanisms. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it leverages legitimate game functionality to deliver malicious payloads, making it difficult for users to distinguish between normal gameplay and malicious activity. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 Command and Scripting Interpreter, where adversaries use system commands to establish and maintain access to compromised systems. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical sophistication, as attackers only need to craft a specially formatted save file and convince users to load it, often through social engineering or by distributing compromised game files through unofficial channels. The security implications are compounded by the fact that many users may not realize they are executing malicious commands, as the game appears to function normally during the save file loading process. This type of vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and secure coding practices in game development, particularly when handling user-generated content or external data files. The flaw represents a significant oversight in the software security lifecycle, as proper validation of saved game data should have been implemented to prevent such dangerous command injection scenarios.
The vulnerability's exploitation pathway typically involves creating a save file containing malicious command sequences that are then processed by the game engine. When the game loads this data, it executes the embedded commands without proper sanitization, providing attackers with a direct execution path to the underlying operating system. This particular weakness highlights the broader challenge of securing interactive entertainment software, where user input is often expected and necessary for gameplay functionality, yet must be carefully controlled to prevent security breaches. The affected software represents a significant attack surface for threat actors seeking to compromise gaming systems, as save files are frequently shared among players and can be easily distributed through various channels. Security researchers have noted that such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in gaming environments due to the trust users place in game applications and the expectation that these programs are safe to execute. The vulnerability's classification as a command injection flaw also indicates that it may be susceptible to additional attack techniques, including but not limited to data exfiltration, system enumeration, and privilege escalation. Organizations and individuals should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader security assessment of gaming environments, particularly those that may be targeted by threat actors seeking to establish persistent access through compromised gaming applications. The lack of proper input validation in this context represents a failure to implement defense-in-depth principles, where multiple layers of security controls should be employed to protect against various attack vectors. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in all software development processes, regardless of the application's intended use or perceived security requirements.