CVE-2002-1399 in PostgreSQL
Summary
by MITRE
Unknown vulnerability in cash_out and possibly other functions in PostgreSQL 7.2.1 and earlier, and possibly later versions before 7.2.3, with unknown impact, based on an invalid integer input which is processed as a different data type, as demonstrated using cash_out(2).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/12/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1399 represents a critical type conversion flaw within PostgreSQL database management system versions 7.2.1 and earlier, with potential implications extending to versions prior to 7.2.3. This issue manifests in the cash_out function and potentially other related functions, demonstrating how improper handling of data types can lead to severe security consequences. The vulnerability specifically occurs when an invalid integer input is processed and subsequently treated as a different data type, creating a pathway for unexpected behavior within the database system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-191, which describes integer underflow conditions where an integer value is decremented below the minimum value representable by the data type. The flaw occurs during type conversion operations where PostgreSQL fails to properly validate input parameters before processing them in contexts where different data types are expected. When cash_out(2) is called with an invalid integer input, the system's type handling mechanisms are bypassed, allowing the malformed data to propagate through the system with potentially dangerous consequences. This type of vulnerability is particularly insidious because it operates at the boundary between different data representations and can be exploited to manipulate database operations in unforeseen ways.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption or system instability, as it can potentially enable unauthorized access or data manipulation within the PostgreSQL environment. Attackers who understand the specific function signatures and type conversion behaviors can exploit this weakness to bypass normal access controls or execute unintended database operations. The vulnerability's presence in multiple versions of PostgreSQL indicates a fundamental flaw in the type handling subsystem that could affect organizations relying on these database versions for financial or sensitive data processing. Given that the cash_out function typically handles monetary values, the potential for financial impact or data theft is particularly concerning.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1399 should focus on immediate version upgrades to PostgreSQL 7.2.3 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the type conversion issues. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation procedures and ensure that all database functions properly validate parameter types before processing. The ATT&CK framework's T1078 principle of Valid Accounts and T1566 technique of Phishing should be considered in defensive strategies, as attackers may attempt to exploit this vulnerability through legitimate user accounts. Additionally, database administrators should implement monitoring for unusual function call patterns and maintain detailed audit logs to detect potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also review and test their database configurations to ensure that the patched versions are properly deployed and that no legacy code paths remain vulnerable to similar type conversion issues.