CVE-2017-6903 : Security Advisory and Response

A vulnerability in ioquake3 prior to 2017-03-14 allowed the loading of manipulated auto-downloaded files as DLLs with native code capabilities, potentially leading to a breach of the sandbox environment.

Understanding CVE-2017-6903

What is CVE-2017-6903?

The auto-downloading function in ioquake3 lacked content restrictions, affecting Quake III Arena, OpenArena, OpenJK, iortcw, and other id Tech 3 engine forks. This flaw could enable the loading of malicious auto-downloaded files as DLLs with native code capabilities.

The Impact of CVE-2017-6903

The vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, manipulate configuration variables, and override user configurations, leading to a compromise of the sandbox environment.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-6903

Vulnerability Description

The auto-downloading feature in ioquake3 before 2017-03-14 had insufficient content restrictions.
Malicious auto-downloaded files could be loaded as native code DLLs, potentially compromising system integrity.

Affected Systems and Versions

Quake III Arena, OpenArena, OpenJK, iortcw, and other id Tech 3 engine forks.

Exploitation Mechanism

A malicious auto-downloaded file could contain executable code that manipulates configuration variables, loading unintended native code DLLs.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update ioquake3 to a version released after 2017-03-14.
Avoid downloading files from untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement content restrictions and security measures to prevent unauthorized file execution.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by the software vendor to address the vulnerability.