- last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT
What is it?
A few days ago, an exploit was released for the latest version of Halo. This exploit allows anyone to crash the server at any time. At the moment, there are no fixes for it, we just need to wait for the developers of the dedicated server to fix it.
Is there anything I can do?
Not really, the only possible defense against it would be to keep your server full at all times, as the exploit acts like a player and if the server is full, it does not function.
Note: Even though the exploit needs an open player slot to work, passwording your server has no effect on it. While some people are reporting that passwording it seems to be fixing the problem, the server is still vulnerable to it. What I suspect is happening is the scripts that are querying the master server are ignoring passworded servers. So, your server may be up longer if you password it, but it's by no means a workaround.
Unofficial Patch
An unofficial patch has been created by Goemitar. You can visit his website here or download a fixed binary. As of right now we are working on getting this rolled out to our servers
Can't you just IP ban them?
It's difficult to determine exactly where the attacks are coming from, as the network protocol is encrypted, and the exploit appears to be a normal client until it sends a malformed packet. Also, Halo doesn't log any information by default, so we really do not have anything to go by
What servers are effected?
Any server on the master list will be effected by this.
Should I create a support ticket about this?
No, there is nothing that we can do until the developers release a patch for the dedicated server.
Who can I contact about getting a patch?
The dedicated server is not supported by Microsoft, nor by Bungie. Instead, you need to contact GearBox Software, which you can do at the following link: http://www.gearboxsoftware.com/index.php?p=contact (Note: Please do not spam them, that will not help the situation. One request per user asking when the patch will come out is more then enough)
When/If the patch comes out, how can I update my server?
I'm not sure which method we will be using yet, however you will either need to reinstall your server, or there will be a button in the Mods area of your control panel. It is unlikely that your servers will be automatically updated.
AND NO HALO IS NOT DEAD....I belong to a clan of 150 and we pay around 200 a month for our servers...I know of at least 12 other clans that do the same,,,We have a league that we have participating in for about 2 years. Total number of players 800. and there is twice as many people online then H2.