CVE-2017-11615 in Factorio
Summary
by MITRE
A sandbox escape in the Lua interface in Wube Factorio before 0.15.31 allows remote game servers or user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary C code by including and loading a C library.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/01/2019
The vulnerability CVE-2017-11615 represents a critical sandbox escape flaw in the Lua scripting interface of Wube Factorio game engine prior to version 0.15.31. This issue arises from insufficient restrictions in the game's scripting environment that allows malicious actors to bypass the intended security boundaries between the sandboxed Lua interpreter and the underlying operating system. The vulnerability specifically targets the interaction between the Lua scripting language and native C libraries, creating a pathway for privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution.
The technical flaw stems from improper validation and sanitization of dynamic library loading mechanisms within the Factorio game engine's Lua interface. When a malicious user loads a C library through the scripting interface, the system fails to properly restrict the library loading process, allowing the loaded library to execute with elevated privileges. This occurs because the game's security model does not adequately separate the Lua sandbox from system-level operations, enabling attackers to leverage the scripting interface as a vector for system-level compromise. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-242, which deals with the use of potentially dangerous functions that can lead to security issues, and more specifically aligns with CWE-78, which addresses the execution of code with elevated privileges due to improper input validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe for both remote attackers and user-assisted scenarios. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious scripts or mod files that include and load C libraries, potentially leading to complete system compromise of game servers. User-assisted attacks are equally dangerous as any player with access to the game's scripting interface could inadvertently trigger the exploit through malicious mod content or game modifications. The consequences extend beyond simple code execution to include potential data exfiltration, system monitoring, and persistence mechanisms that attackers can establish. This vulnerability directly impacts the game's security model and undermines the trust model that game servers rely upon to maintain secure multiplayer environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11615 require immediate patching of affected systems to version 0.15.31 or later, which implements proper restrictions on dynamic library loading within the Lua interface. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as network segmentation to limit exposure of Factorio servers to untrusted users, and regular security audits of mod content and user-generated scripts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for script-based execution and T1068 for local privilege escalation, highlighting the multi-faceted nature of the threat. Administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict which C libraries can be loaded by the game engine, and establish monitoring systems to detect anomalous library loading activities. Given the nature of sandbox escapes, the vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining robust isolation boundaries between application interfaces and system-level operations, reinforcing the principle that security by design requires comprehensive protection of all execution pathways within software applications.