Source: secalert@redhat.com
Buffer overflow in the ulSetError function in util/ulError.cxx in PLIB 1.8.5, as used in TORCS 1.3.1 and other products, allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via vectors involving a long error message, as demonstrated by a crafted acc file for TORCS. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
PLIB 1.8.5, utilized in applications like TORCS 1.3.1, suffers from a critical buffer overflow vulnerability. This flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems by crafting malicious error messages, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Successful exploitation requires user interaction, making it a user-assisted remote code execution vulnerability.
Step 1: Payload Delivery: The attacker crafts a malicious input file (e.g., a .acc file for TORCS) containing a long error message.
Step 2: User Interaction: The victim opens or loads the crafted file using a vulnerable application (e.g., TORCS 1.3.1).
Step 3: Vulnerability Trigger: The application calls the ulSetError function with the malicious error message.
Step 4: Buffer Overflow: The ulSetError function attempts to copy the long error message into a fixed-size buffer without proper bounds checking, causing a buffer overflow.
Step 5: Code Execution: The overflow overwrites the return address on the stack. When the ulSetError function returns, control is transferred to the attacker-controlled address, executing the attacker's shellcode.
The vulnerability resides within the ulSetError function in util/ulError.cxx of PLIB 1.8.5. The function fails to properly validate the size of the error message before copying it into a fixed-size buffer. This leads to a buffer overflow when a long error message is provided. The attacker can control the contents of the overflowed buffer, allowing them to overwrite adjacent memory regions, including the return address. By carefully crafting the malicious error message, the attacker can overwrite the return address with the address of their injected shellcode, leading to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is triggered when the application calls ulSetError with a crafted input, such as a malicious .acc file in the case of TORCS.
While no specific APT groups are directly linked to this CVE, the nature of the vulnerability makes it attractive to various threat actors. The age of the vulnerability suggests it may have been used by multiple actors in the past. Not listed on CISA KEV due to its age and the specific software affected.
Monitor file system activity for suspicious file modifications, especially related to configuration files (e.g., .acc files in TORCS).
Analyze application logs for unusually long error messages or error messages containing suspicious characters.
Implement intrusion detection systems (IDS) with signatures specifically designed to detect buffer overflow attempts targeting the vulnerable function.
Monitor network traffic for unusual patterns associated with the vulnerable application, such as excessive file transfers or unexpected connections.
Upgrade to a patched version of PLIB or the affected application (e.g., TORCS) that includes a fix for the buffer overflow.
Implement input validation to restrict the size and content of error messages.
Employ compiler protections such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization (ASLR).
Apply the principle of least privilege, restricting user access to sensitive files and directories.
Regularly scan systems for vulnerable software and apply security patches promptly.