Directory Traversal Vulnerability in Widelands: Risk of File Overwrite
Summary
DEBIAN-CVE-2011-1932: Directory traversal vulnerability in io/filesystem/filesystem.cc in Widelands before 15.1 might allow remote attackers to overwrite arbitrary files via . Affects widelands versions < 1:15-3. Fixed in 1:15-3. How to fix ↓
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Background
Widelands is an open-source real-time strategy game that allows players to build and manage their own settlements. It features multiplayer capabilities, enabling players to engage in competitive gameplay over the internet. However, prior to version 15.1, Widelands is susceptible to a directory traversal vulnerability that can be exploited during file transfers in online games.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from improper handling of file paths in the io/filesystem/filesystem.cc component of Widelands. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious pathnames that include dot (.) characters, potentially allowing them to overwrite arbitrary files on the server. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive files or disruption of the game environment, posing significant security risks.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
1:15-3
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade widelandsTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users are advised to restrict file transfer capabilities or implement strict validation on file paths to prevent the use of dot characters in pathnames until the package can be updated.
Conclusion
The directory traversal vulnerability in Widelands poses a significant risk to users, particularly in multiplayer environments. It is crucial to update to the patched version to mitigate potential threats. Implementing workarounds can provide temporary relief, but long-term solutions should focus on maintaining updated software.
See every vulnerability recorded for widelands →
FAQ
A directory traversal vulnerability allows an attacker to access files and directories that are stored outside the intended directory. This can lead to unauthorized file access and manipulation.
If exploited, this vulnerability can allow attackers to overwrite critical files on your game server, potentially leading to data loss, unauthorized access, or service disruption.
If you are using a version of Widelands prior to 15.1, your installation is vulnerable to this issue. It is recommended to update to the latest version.
If an immediate update is not possible, consider implementing strict input validation to prevent the use of malicious pathnames in file transfers.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just a manifest file like package-lock.json. You can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability using the Vulert playground without any signup.
References
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