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

Lycan PH

18 Mar 202402:21

Summary

TLDRThe 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.

Outlines

00:00

😨 Fear of Remote Code Execution in Games

The speaker discusses how people are afraid to play or open a game due to fears surrounding remote code execution. The main issue is that many do not understand what remote code execution entails. The speaker plans to use a whiteboard to explain the concept, illustrating that an attacker can execute code on a server but not directly on a user's machine. This allows the attacker to modify the server's memory, ban players, generate packs, change lobbies, and more, depending on the server infrastructure.

🖥️ Understanding Server Vulnerabilities

The speaker explains that game servers are composed of various specialized servers, such as authentication servers for login, game servers for game state management, and servers for shops and payment processing. Remote code execution on a server does not grant the attacker access to all these components, but rather specific ones depending on the vulnerability. The speaker emphasizes that the attacker can summon bots, ban players by flagging their accounts, and create packs. These actions indicate limited execution capabilities, not full control over the entire server infrastructure.

🔍 Exploring Remote Code Execution Limits

Although the attacker can summon bots, ban players, and create packs, the speaker notes that these vulnerabilities do not show full control over the server. Full control would allow for much more damage. The speaker clarifies that having execution on a server does not mean execution on the end user's machine. To achieve that, another vulnerability would need to be exploited on the client side. Currently, the connection between server execution and client vulnerability cannot be proven, making it essential to establish this connection first.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Remote Code Execution

Remote Code Execution (RCE) is a security vulnerability that allows an attacker to execute code on a remote server or device. In the video, RCE is central to the discussion as the speaker explains how an attacker can manipulate a game's server to execute various commands, such as banning players or generating items, without affecting the user's machine directly.

💡Server

A server is a computer or system that provides resources, data, services, or programs to other computers, known as clients, over a network. In the video, servers are mentioned multiple times to describe the different types of servers involved in a game, such as authentication servers, game servers, and payment processing servers, each with specific roles and vulnerabilities.

💡Attacker's Computer

The attacker's computer refers to the device used by a malicious individual to initiate an attack on a server. The video describes how the attacker uses their computer to execute commands on the game server, illustrating the concept of remote code execution and the potential consequences of such actions.

💡Game State

Game state refers to the current status and data of a game, including player progress, in-game events, and other dynamic elements. The speaker discusses how an attacker with access to the game server can alter the game state, such as summoning bots or changing lobby settings, without impacting the client's machine.

💡Authentication Server

An authentication server is responsible for verifying the identity of users attempting to access a system or network. In the context of the video, the authentication server handles login processes for the game, and the speaker mentions that an attacker may not have access to this server but can still exploit other servers.

💡Payment Processing

Payment processing involves handling financial transactions securely, often requiring adherence to specific standards. The video highlights that payment processing details are managed by separate servers, which are part of the broader server infrastructure in a game, emphasizing the complexity and segmentation of server responsibilities.

💡Vulnerability

A vulnerability is a weakness in a system that can be exploited by an attacker to gain unauthorized access or perform malicious actions. The video discusses various vulnerabilities that can be exploited, such as remote code execution, to manipulate game servers and affect game functionality.

💡Bot

A bot is an automated program that performs repetitive tasks. In the video, the speaker mentions how an attacker can summon bots in the game, which is one of the vulnerabilities exploited. These bots can disrupt normal gameplay by performing actions that give an unfair advantage or hinder other players.

💡Memory Modification

Memory modification refers to changing the data stored in a computer's memory. In the context of the video, an attacker with remote code execution capability can modify the server's memory, allowing them to execute commands and alter the game's state, such as banning players or generating in-game items.

💡Client

A client is a device or software that accesses services provided by a server. The video explains that even though the attacker has remote code execution on the server, it does not mean they have control over the client's machine, highlighting the distinction between server-side and client-side vulnerabilities.

Highlights

People are afraid to play the game due to a lack of understanding of remote code execution.

Remote code execution on a server allows an attacker to execute code from their machine, not the user's.

Attackers can modify memory and execute commands on the server, potentially banning users or altering game states.

Server infrastructure varies, with some handling login authentication and others managing in-game purchases and payments.

Access to purchase information and game servers indicates potential vulnerabilities but not necessarily full control.

Summoning bots, banning users, and creating packs are examples of actions that can be taken with certain access levels.

Full control would be much worse than the current level of access, indicating a more severe vulnerability.

Having execution on the server does not automatically grant execution on the end user's machine.

A second vulnerability on the client is necessary to achieve remote code execution on the end user's machine.

Proving the connection between server vulnerabilities and client vulnerabilities is crucial.

Different standards apply to payment processing information, highlighting the complexity of server management.

The distinction between server and client vulnerabilities is important for understanding the scope of potential attacks.

The potential for banning users or altering game states through server access is a significant concern.

Understanding the limitations of server vulnerabilities is key to assessing the true risk to users.

The need for a clear understanding of what remote code execution entails is emphasized to alleviate fears.

The potential for server-based attacks to impact user experience is a critical area of concern in game security.