CVE-2002-2087 in Interbase
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Borland InterBase 6.0 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long INTERBASE environment variable when calling (1) gds_drop, (2) gds_lock_mgr, or (3) gds_inet_server.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-2087 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in Borland InterBase 6.0 database management system that poses significant security risks to local system users. This vulnerability specifically targets the handling of environment variables within the database system's core functions, creating an exploitable condition that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The flaw manifests when the INTERBASE environment variable contains excessively long input data, which then triggers buffer overflow conditions during specific system calls. The affected functions gds_drop, gds_lock_mgr, and gds_inet_server serve as the primary attack vectors, each representing different operational contexts within the database system where the malicious environment variable input can be processed and exploited. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 buffer overflow category, specifically classified as a stack-based buffer overflow that occurs when the system fails to properly validate the length of input data before copying it into fixed-length buffers. The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices in the database system's environment variable handling mechanisms, where the system does not adequately check the size of the INTERBASE variable before processing it through the affected gds functions. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to systems running Borland InterBase 6.0 as local attackers can leverage this condition to execute malicious code with the privileges of the database service account. The impact extends beyond simple code execution, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges, access sensitive database information, or compromise the entire database server. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation and code injection techniques, as it enables local users to bypass normal access controls and execute unauthorized commands within the system context. The exploitation of this vulnerability requires local system access, making it particularly concerning for environments where multiple users share the same system or where privilege separation is not properly enforced. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the system level rather than through network interfaces, meaning that even isolated systems with limited network exposure remain at risk. The buffer overflow condition occurs during the processing of the environment variable, where insufficient bounds checking allows memory corruption that can be leveraged to overwrite critical program execution data. This type of vulnerability is classified as a classic stack-based buffer overflow that can be exploited through various techniques including return-oriented programming and direct code injection methods. The affected system components include the database engine's environment variable processing subsystem, which lacks proper input sanitization and validation mechanisms. Organizations running Borland InterBase 6.0 should implement immediate mitigations including applying vendor patches, implementing proper environment variable length validation, and restricting local system access to database services. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing privilege separation measures and monitoring for unusual environment variable usage patterns. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation in database management systems and demonstrates the critical need for robust security practices in legacy software systems that may not have been designed with modern security considerations in mind. This particular vulnerability represents a significant risk to database server integrity and underscores the necessity of regular security assessments and patch management procedures for enterprise database infrastructure. The technical exploitation of this buffer overflow requires careful crafting of the malicious INTERBASE environment variable to ensure proper memory corruption occurs, making it a sophisticated attack vector that demands comprehensive system hardening measures. Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a prime example of how legacy database systems can contain critical security flaws that persist long after their initial release, emphasizing the importance of continuous security monitoring and vulnerability assessment practices.