CVE-2002-0972 in PostgreSQL
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflows in PostgreSQL 7.2 allow attackers to cause a denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary code via long arguments to the functions (1) lpad or (2) rpad.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0972 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within PostgreSQL version 7.2 that specifically affects the lpad and rpad string manipulation functions. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the database engine's implementation of these padding functions, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through carefully crafted long arguments. The vulnerability operates at the core level of database operations where string handling routines are executed, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through standard database queries and function calls.
The technical implementation of this flaw occurs when the lpad and rpad functions receive arguments that exceed the allocated buffer size in memory. These functions are designed to pad strings to a specified length by adding characters to the left or right side respectively. However, the buffer overflow manifests when attackers provide excessively long argument strings that surpass the predefined memory boundaries allocated for these operations. The flaw is categorized under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows memory corruption that can lead to unpredictable behavior. The vulnerability specifically impacts the database's ability to properly handle string operations, creating a condition where the program's memory layout becomes corrupted during function execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enabling remote code execution, making it a severe security concern for database environments. When exploited, the buffer overflow can cause the PostgreSQL process to crash and restart, leading to service interruption that affects all database operations. More critically, the memory corruption can be leveraged to inject and execute arbitrary code within the database server process, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to the system. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and can result in complete system compromise, especially when the database server operates with elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects database environments where these string functions are commonly used, which includes virtually all applications that require string manipulation or formatting operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0972 should prioritize immediate patching of the PostgreSQL 7.2 installation with the appropriate security updates released by the PostgreSQL development team. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring of database function usage to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish robust input validation mechanisms that prevent excessively long arguments from reaching the vulnerable functions. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of database servers to untrusted networks, while also ensuring that database users have minimal necessary privileges. The implementation of intrusion detection systems that monitor for unusual database query patterns and buffer overflow signatures can provide early warning capabilities. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues within the database infrastructure, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management in database systems. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on potentially malicious usage of string manipulation functions, aligning with the ATT&CK framework's database access techniques that emphasize the exploitation of function-based vulnerabilities for privilege escalation and code execution.