CVE-2001-0008 in Interbase
Summary
by MITRE
Backdoor account in Interbase database server allows remote attackers to overwrite arbitrary files using stored procedures.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0008 represents a critical security flaw in the Interbase database server software that was discovered in the early 2000s. This backdoor account implementation fundamentally compromised the integrity and confidentiality of database systems that were running affected versions of the Interbase server. The vulnerability specifically targeted the authentication mechanism within the database server, creating a covert pathway that bypassed normal security controls and allowed unauthorized access to system resources. The flaw was particularly dangerous because it enabled remote attackers to execute malicious code with elevated privileges, effectively providing them with unauthorized administrative access to the database infrastructure. This type of vulnerability would have been especially concerning in enterprise environments where Interbase servers were managing sensitive data and business-critical applications.
The technical implementation of this backdoor account was embedded within the Interbase server code itself, creating a persistent security weakness that existed at the core of the database management system. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by utilizing stored procedures within the database to execute arbitrary file operations, effectively allowing them to overwrite or modify any file accessible to the database server process. The stored procedure mechanism provided attackers with a legitimate execution pathway within the database environment, making the attack more difficult to detect and trace. This vulnerability was classified under CWE-254 as a "Weakness in Authorization" where a system failed to properly enforce access controls, and it also aligned with CWE-264 as a "Weakness in Permissions" where insufficient privilege controls allowed unauthorized file operations. The flaw essentially allowed attackers to escalate privileges beyond what was normally possible through legitimate database access mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2001-0008 was severe and far-reaching for organizations running vulnerable Interbase installations, as it provided attackers with complete control over database files and potentially the underlying operating system resources. Remote exploitation meant that attackers could compromise systems from anywhere on the network without requiring physical access or legitimate credentials, making the vulnerability particularly attractive to malicious actors. The ability to overwrite arbitrary files through stored procedures created multiple attack vectors including data corruption, system file replacement, and potential privilege escalation to system administrator levels. Organizations using Interbase for mission-critical applications faced significant risks of data loss, system compromise, and regulatory violations. This vulnerability would have been particularly damaging in financial services, healthcare, and government sectors where database integrity and access control were paramount. The attack pattern associated with this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers "Valid Accounts" and T1059 which covers "Command and Scripting Interpreter" as attackers could leverage the backdoor account to execute malicious commands through database stored procedures.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability needed to implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying vendor patches, disabling unnecessary database features, and implementing network segmentation to limit access to database servers. The recommended remediation approach involved upgrading to patched versions of Interbase that removed the backdoor account implementation and corrected the stored procedure execution permissions. Security administrators were advised to conduct thorough audits of database access controls and monitor for suspicious stored procedure usage patterns. Additional mitigations included implementing network firewalls to restrict database server access, disabling remote access where possible, and establishing robust logging and monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized database activity. The vulnerability also highlighted the importance of regular security assessments and the need for organizations to maintain current patch management processes to address known security flaws. Organizations were encouraged to review their database security configurations and implement principle of least privilege access controls to minimize the impact of similar vulnerabilities in the future. This incident served as a critical reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and the potential consequences of embedded backdoors in commercial software products.