Fortifying Game Security: Unveiling Vulnerabilities in Valve Anti Cheat and a Novel User Mode Anti-Cheat Solution

Abstract

Video game hacking, or cheating, has emerged as a significant issue over the past decade. To tackle this problem, various video game companies have implemented anti-cheats, a method of malware analysis designed to identify and ban players using hacking software. While some companies have updated their anti-cheat software with kernel drivers to detect almost all forms of memory manipulation, others have stuck to their rudimentary anti-cheats operating in user mode. Valve, the company behind the popular game Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, is an example of the latter. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate how the game can be hacked and its memory exploited by creating a custom hack. Subsequently, I will conduct an in-depth analysis of VAC to pinpoint its vulnerabilities. I will then explain how I successfully circumvented its security measures and provide guidance on how to patch this bypass. The ultimate goal is to construct a comprehensive guide on enhancing VAC's robustness by proposing novel methods to strengthen the system.