CVE-2002-1398 in PostgreSQL
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the date parser for PostgreSQL before 7.2.2 allows attackers to cause a denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long date string, aka a vulnerability "in handling long datetime input."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1398 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the date parsing functionality of PostgreSQL database systems prior to version 7.2.2. This vulnerability specifically targets the database's ability to process datetime input strings, creating a potential pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through carefully crafted long date strings. The flaw exists in the internal date parser component that handles various datetime formats and conversions, making it a fundamental component of the database's data processing pipeline. The vulnerability falls under the category of software security flaws that can lead to system compromise through improper input validation and memory management practices.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the PostgreSQL date parser encounters a malformed or excessively long datetime input string that exceeds the allocated buffer space. This condition typically arises during the parsing of date and time values in SQL queries, where the system attempts to convert textual datetime representations into internal database formats. The parser fails to properly validate the length of input strings before processing them, allowing an attacker to supply a string that exceeds the predetermined buffer boundaries. When the buffer overflow occurs, it can corrupt adjacent memory locations, potentially causing the database process to crash or, in more sophisticated exploitation scenarios, allowing arbitrary code execution within the database context. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1398 extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enable remote code execution, making it particularly dangerous for database environments. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause database server processes to terminate unexpectedly, leading to service disruption and potential data unavailability for legitimate users. In more severe cases where attackers successfully leverage the buffer overflow for code execution, they could gain unauthorized access to the database system, potentially escalating privileges and accessing sensitive data. The vulnerability affects all versions of PostgreSQL prior to 7.2.2, representing a significant security gap that could be exploited across various database deployments. Attackers typically would craft malicious SQL queries containing overly long date strings to trigger the overflow condition, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for applications that accept user input through database interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patching of PostgreSQL installations to version 7.2.2 or later, where the buffer overflow has been addressed through proper bounds checking and input validation. System administrators should implement comprehensive monitoring to detect unusual database behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, including unexpected process terminations or performance degradation. Input validation measures should be enhanced at application layers to sanitize datetime inputs before they reach the database parser, reducing the attack surface for this specific vulnerability. Security configurations should include disabling unnecessary database features and implementing proper access controls to limit potential exploitation avenues. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following security best practices such as those outlined in the ATT&CK framework, particularly in relation to command and control activities and privilege escalation techniques that attackers might employ when exploiting buffer overflow conditions. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in their database environments and implement robust patch management processes to ensure timely remediation of known security flaws.