Cyber Security Expert explains RCE to Mande regarding the recent Apex Legends hacker situation

Summary

The script discusses the fear surrounding remote code execution in gaming. It clarifies that such execution allows an attacker to manipulate the server, not the user's machine, potentially leading to actions like banning players or altering game states. The speaker emphasizes the complexity of game servers, which can include separate systems for authentication, game state management, and payment processing. They also distinguish between having server access and full control over a user's machine, noting that the latter would require an additional client-side vulnerability.

Takeaways

• 😨 People are afraid to play the game due to a lack of understanding about remote code execution.
• 💻 Remote code execution allows an attacker to execute code on a server from their own machine.
• 🔒 It does not imply the ability to execute code on the user's machine, but rather control over the server's operations.
• 👤 The attacker could potentially ban users, generate packs, or alter the game lobby through server manipulation.
• 🏢 Different servers handle various aspects like authentication, game state, and payment processing.
• 🛡️ Authentication servers might not have access to game state changes, limiting the scope of potential damage.
• 🛍️ The attacker's access to purchase information and game servers indicates a significant breach.
• 🤖 The ability to summon bots, ban users, and manipulate anti-cheat systems are serious vulnerabilities.
• 📦 The creation and distribution of game packs by the attacker suggest deep access to game server functionalities.
• 🚫 Full control would be much worse, implying the attacker does not have complete control over all aspects.
• 🔗 The connection between server and client vulnerabilities needs to be proven to establish the full extent of the breach.

Q & A

What is the main concern people have about playing online games mentioned in the script?

People are scared to play the game due to a lack of understanding about remote code execution and its implications.

What does 'remote code execution' mean in the context of the script?

Remote code execution means that an attacker can execute code on a server from their own machine, potentially modifying memory and executing commands on the server.

Why might an attacker be able to ban users or generate packs on a server?

If an attacker has remote code execution on a server, they can modify the server's operations, which could include actions like banning users, generating packs, or altering game lobbies.

What is the difference between the authentication server and the game server according to the script?

The authentication server handles logins and may not have access to game state changes, while the game server itself manages the actual gameplay and could be affected by remote code execution.

Why might a server handling payment processing be on a separate system?

Payment processing requires different security standards and measures to protect sensitive financial information, hence it is often handled on a separate server.

What does the script suggest about the attacker's access to the game servers?

The attacker has access to summon bots, ban users, and manipulate packs, indicating they have some level of control over the game servers, but not necessarily full control.

What would full control entail in the context of remote code execution?

Full control would mean the attacker has the ability to execute code on all systems, including both the server and the client-side, which is more severe than the described situation.

What is required for an attacker to execute code on an end user's machine?

For an attacker to execute code on an end user's machine, they would need remote code execution on the server and a separate vulnerability on the client that allows exploitation of the end user's system.

Why is it important to prove a connection between the server and client vulnerabilities?

Proving the connection is essential to accurately assess the extent of the security breach and to understand what actions the attacker can perform on both the server and client sides.

What does the script suggest about the level of damage the attacker could potentially do?

The script suggests that while the attacker can cause significant damage with the current vulnerabilities, the potential for harm could be much greater if they had full control over all systems.

How does the script differentiate between different types of servers in gaming infrastructure?

The script differentiates by explaining the specific roles of authentication servers, game servers, and payment processing servers, each with its own set of responsibilities and security measures.