CVE-2022-31265 in World of Warships
Summary
by MITRE • 05/26/2022
The replay feature in the client in Wargaming World of Warships 0.11.4 allows remote attackers to execute code when a user launches a replay from an untrusted source.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-31265 resides within the replay functionality of Wargaming World of Warships client version 0.11.4, presenting a critical remote code execution risk that can be exploited by attackers who compromise untrusted replay files. This issue fundamentally undermines the security model of the gaming client by failing to properly validate replay data integrity and execution context. The flaw specifically affects the client-side processing of replay files that contain game session recordings, which are typically used to review past battles and analyze gameplay. When a user launches a replay from an untrusted source, the client executes code without sufficient sanitization or verification mechanisms, creating an attack surface that adversaries can leverage for malicious purposes.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with common software security flaws related to improper input validation and unsafe deserialization patterns. The replay feature likely processes binary or structured data formats that contain serialized game state information, player actions, and session metadata. When these files are loaded without proper validation, attackers can craft malicious replay files that contain embedded malicious code or exploit buffer overflows within the client's parsing routines. This type of vulnerability commonly maps to CWE-502 which covers deserialization of untrusted data, and potentially CWE-121 which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions. The client's failure to implement proper sandboxing or execution isolation for replay files creates a direct path for arbitrary code execution on the victim's system.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-31265 extends beyond simple code execution as it represents a sophisticated attack vector that can be weaponized for broader compromise of gaming environments. Attackers can distribute malicious replay files through various channels including compromised game servers, peer-to-peer networks, or social engineering campaigns targeting players who might be curious about viewing specific battles. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in gaming contexts where users often trust replay files from other players or community sources without considering potential security implications. Once exploited, the malicious code can establish persistence mechanisms, exfiltrate sensitive game data, or serve as a foothold for further attacks on the victim's system. The attack vector follows patterns consistent with the ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries use legitimate system tools to execute malicious code through compromised game client functionality.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate client-side security enhancements including implementing robust input validation, sanitizing replay file contents, and establishing proper execution boundaries for untrusted data. Wargaming should implement strict file format validation, cryptographic signature verification for replay files, and sandboxing mechanisms that isolate replay execution from the main client process. Network-level protections could include content filtering for replay file downloads and user education campaigns about the risks of accepting replay files from untrusted sources. The fix should also incorporate proper error handling and logging mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts, aligning with security best practices outlined in industry standards such as NIST SP 800-160 for secure software development lifecycle practices. Organizations should also consider implementing automated threat detection systems that monitor for suspicious replay file patterns or execution behaviors that may indicate exploitation attempts.