Welcome to a deep dive into the world of iGaming security, where chance meets cutting-edge technology. In this article, I partner with cybersecurity experts Evgeny Zaretskov, Group Chief Information Security Officer, and Artem Bychkov, Deputy CSO at SOFTSWISS to explore the complex landscape of iGaming security. Together, we provide an in-depth analysis of how RNGs and their pseudo-random counterparts (PRNG) function, identify potential vulnerabilities, and explore both theoretical and practical attack vectors. Our mission is to empower the entire iGaming industry by raising awareness of these risks and fostering a collaborative approach to counter emerging threats.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only and does not endorse or encourage any illegal activity.
Understanding RNG and PRNG: The Building Blocks of Fair Play
At the heart of every casino game lies the RNG - a combination of hardware and software dedicated to generating random numbers that ensure fairness. True randomness typically stems from physical phenomena such as electrical circuit fluctuations, atmospheric variations, mouse movements, or keyboard strokes. However, getting “real” randomness is either too slow (consider the difference between reading speed from /dev/random and /dev/urandom on Linux) or may require specialized and expensive equipment.
In practice, most computer systems rely on pseudo-random number generators (PRNGs). These algorithms produce sequences that appear random but are entirely deterministic if the initial seed is known. There are two primary categories:
1) Cryptographically Secure PRNGs: Designed to make it computationally infeasible to predict future values, even if previous outputs are known.
2) Non-Secure (Weak) PRNGs: Commonly found in standard libraries of programming languages like Java, C++, C#, and Python. These can become predictable, and some of them are readily broken, with open source hack tools readily available.
Exploiting Weaknesses: Theoretical Attack Vectors
One of the most straightforward methods to exploit a system is by targeting weak PRNG implementations:
1) Observing Output Patterns:
By monitoring a sufficient number of outcomes, an attacker can analyze the data to reconstruct the internal state of a non-secure PRNG. Once the state is known, predicting subsequent outputs becomes trivial.
2) Leveraging SMT Solvers:
In cases where PRNG is not readily broken, attackers might employ Satisfiability Modulo Theory (SMT) solvers. These powerful tools allow modeling the PRNG algorithm and, in cases of insecure PRNG, can reveal the seed or internal state based on observed outputs.
Imagine if you could predict the next card in your favorite game - sounds like a hacker’s dream, but for casino operators, it’s a nightmare.
If developers have carelessly implemented a standard library PRNG without additional safeguards, an attacker could effectively turn chance into certainty.
Attacking the Environment: Practical Attack Vectors
In fact, there are many ways to compromise an iGaming system without needing a full Ocean’s 11 heist. If you have the skills to infiltrate servers - a topic we discuss strictly in theoretical, educational terms - gaining access to a game server can unlock limitless possibilities. Here are several attack vectors, ranging from subtle and stealthy to overt and noisy:
a) Tampering with the PRNG Seed:
Although we’ve seen that weak PRNGs can be attacked by analyzing output and reconstructing state, it’s important to note that even strong, cryptographically secure PRNGs are deterministic by nature. Their randomness ultimately hinges on an initial seed or initialization value. If an attacker gains control over the environment (for example, the server or the specific code segment that initializes the PRNG), they can stealthily inject a seed known to them. This manipulation allows the attacker to calculate every outcome of every game.
b) Leaking Calculated Results:
In some game designs, the outcomes are not applied immediately but are delayed. A flawed design might allow bets to be placed even when the results are already known. An attacker with access to the server hosting the game might exploit an information disclosure vulnerability to leak these outcomes in advance. And sometimes it is possible to find such vulnerabilities without direct access to the server. If you can leak the results before they’re used, there’s no need to attack the RNG at all - turning chance into certainty with minimal effort.
c) Tampering with the Results:
Rather than merely leaking results, an attacker might directly alter them. If the attacker can modify the game code or gain write access to the temporary data storage where results are held (for instance, through Redis key-value pairs on localhost), they can simply declare themselves a winner. This approach, while effective, is very noisy. In a well-monitored environment - especially within a regulated, licensed casino - such tampering is likely to trigger detection and lead to swift legal consequences.
d) Abusing the Integration Interface:
Online casino games typically communicate with their backend systems via Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), which are protected by authentication mechanisms. Should an attacker manage to steal the credentials used for authentication, they could impersonate the game itself. This would allow them to generate rounds and register wins indefinitely. While the risk profile is similar to other methods, the consequences might come even faster due to the direct exploitation of trusted interfaces.
These attack vectors illustrate that vulnerabilities extend beyond the RNG itself - the entire operating environment must be secured to prevent exploitation.
Supply Chain Attacks: Exposing Third-Party Vulnerabilities
Another significant threat comes from the compromise of third-party components - supply chain attacks. These attacks shift the focus from the casino software itself to its external dependencies. Notable examples include:
1) Dependency Confusion and Malicious Code:
Attackers may infiltrate the software development pipeline by compromising open-source libraries, inserting backdoors, or injecting malicious code. Incidents like hijacked accounts in public repositories such as NPM or PyPi demonstrate how unauthorized control over these packages can lead to compromised components being distributed to unsuspecting developers.
2) Smuggling a Backdoored PRNG:
Even without direct access to a game’s source code, an attacker might introduce a tampered PRNG into the build process. Once integrated, this backdoored component can undermine the randomness of the game, creating exploitable vulnerabilities.
One frequently cited example is the so-called ‘xz’ library backdoor incident. While the full details and confirmation of this case remain debated, such examples - whether confirmed or speculative - serve as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in third-party dependencies. They underscore the critical need for rigorous security practices throughout the development process.
Defensive Measures: Recommended Best Practices for Securing iGaming Platforms
Based on our experience and research at SOFTSWISS, we recommend the following best practices to enhance the security of iGaming platforms:
Adopt Cryptographically Secure RNGs:
Use robust implementations - such as Java’s SecureRandom or Python’s secrets module - that ensure an unpredictable seed, so that even if the underlying algorithm is deterministic, the outcome remains secure. In fact, in the iGaming world, we must use certified and properly tested RNGs.
Secure and Lock Down the Infrastructure:
The infrastructure security is paramount to flawless iGaming operations. Implement strict and secure configuration standards for system components, restrict and monitor access, implement multifactor authentication (MFA) and use Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions.
Implement Continuous Monitoring and Regular Audits:
Deploy state-of-the-art monitoring tools and conduct routine security audits. This proactive approach helps in quickly identifying anomalies and mitigating potential threats.
Conduct Rigorous Testing and Validation:
Prior to deployment, perform comprehensive security testing, including code audits, tests, and vulnerability assessments. Ensuring both the RNG and the supporting infrastructure are secure is critical.
Engage in Collaborative Security Practices:
Participate in industry forums and information-sharing initiatives to stay updated on emerging threats. Sharing best practices and lessons learned can help elevate the overall security standard across the iGaming industry.
These recommendations are intended to serve as guidelines for operators and developers who want to build and maintain secure iGaming systems. By adopting these measures, the industry as a whole can better defend against evolving threats.
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