CVE-2001-1163 in NetSQL
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Munica Corporation NetSQL 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long CONNECT argument to port 6500.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1163 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Munica Corporation's NetSQL 1.0 database management system. This issue specifically affects the application's handling of network connections through port 6500, which serves as the primary communication endpoint for database client connections. The buffer overflow occurs when the system processes an excessively long CONNECT argument parameter, creating a condition where user-supplied input exceeds the allocated memory buffer space. This fundamental memory management error enables malicious actors to overwrite adjacent memory locations and potentially gain control over the affected system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory regions. The flaw operates at the network protocol level, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited remotely without requiring local system access. Attackers can craft malicious CONNECT arguments that exceed the buffer capacity, causing the application to overwrite critical memory segments including return addresses, function pointers, and other control data structures. This memory corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution, allowing threat actors to install malware, modify data, or establish persistent backdoors within the target environment.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations relying on NetSQL 1.0 for database operations, particularly those with exposed network services. The attack vector through port 6500 means that systems with this service running on public networks are immediately vulnerable to exploitation. The remote execution capability eliminates the need for physical access or prior system compromise, making the attack surface particularly broad. Organizations may experience unauthorized data access, data corruption, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability also represents a classic example of the attack pattern described in MITRE ATT&CK technique T1203, where adversaries leverage application-level vulnerabilities to gain remote code execution capabilities.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-1163 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, as this vulnerability was addressed through official software updates from Munica Corporation. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to port 6500, limiting exposure to authorized users only. Additionally, input validation mechanisms should be enhanced to prevent overly long parameter values from being processed by the application. System monitoring should be configured to detect unusual connection patterns or parameter lengths that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify malicious CONNECT argument patterns targeting this specific vulnerability. The remediation approach aligns with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-125 and ISO 27001 standards for vulnerability management and risk mitigation.