CVE-2024-32258 in fceux
Summary
by MITRE • 04/23/2024
The network server of fceux 2.7.0 has a path traversal vulnerability, allowing attackers to overwrite any files on the server without authentication by fake ROM.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/28/2024
The CVE-2024-32258 vulnerability resides within the network server component of fceux version 2.7.0, a popular emulator for Nintendo Entertainment System games. This vulnerability represents a critical path traversal flaw that fundamentally compromises the security boundaries of the application's network interface. The issue manifests when the emulator's network server processes incoming ROM files without proper validation of file paths, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to manipulate the file system through crafted requests. The vulnerability specifically affects the server's handling of ROM uploads, where it fails to sanitize or validate the file paths contained within the uploaded files, enabling arbitrary file operations on the host system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted fake ROM file that contains malicious path traversal sequences in its metadata or file structure. When the fceux network server processes this malicious upload, it interprets the crafted paths and executes file operations that would normally be restricted to legitimate users. This flaw allows attackers to overwrite any files on the server filesystem, including critical system files, configuration data, or other sensitive resources. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates without requiring authentication, meaning any remote attacker can exploit it to gain unauthorized access to the server's file system. This path traversal mechanism essentially bypasses the normal file access controls that should protect the system from unauthorized modifications, creating a direct pathway for arbitrary code execution or data destruction.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-32258 extends beyond simple file overwrites, as it fundamentally undermines the integrity and confidentiality of systems running vulnerable fceux versions. Attackers could potentially use this vulnerability to install backdoors, modify system binaries, or exfiltrate sensitive data from the server. The lack of authentication requirements means that exploitation can occur remotely without any prior access credentials, making the vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors. This vulnerability also represents a significant risk for users who run fceux servers in networked environments, as it could enable lateral movement within networks or serve as a foothold for more extensive attacks. The implications are especially severe in environments where the emulator server might be running with elevated privileges, as the attacker could gain root access to the underlying operating system.
Organizations and individuals using fceux 2.7.0 should immediately implement mitigations to address this vulnerability. The most effective immediate solution involves updating to a patched version of fceux that properly validates file paths during ROM processing. Until such updates are available, network administrators should consider disabling the network server functionality entirely or implementing strict network segmentation to isolate the vulnerable service. Additional protective measures include running the emulator with reduced privileges, implementing network access controls to restrict access to the emulator server, and monitoring for suspicious file upload activities. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers may use the compromised system to execute malicious commands. The vulnerability also relates to ATT&CK technique T1566 Phishing with Malicious Attachments, as attackers might use fake ROM files as delivery mechanisms for this exploit. Security teams should also consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized file modifications that may result from exploitation of this vulnerability.