CVE-2002-2250 in Adaptive Server
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in Sybase Adaptive Server 12.0 and 12.5 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via (1) a long parameter to the xp_freedll extended stored procedure or (2) a long database name argument to the DBCC CHECKVERIFY function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-2250 represents a critical security flaw affecting Sybase Adaptive Server Enterprise versions 12.0 and 12.5, where multiple buffer overflow conditions exist that can be exploited by remote attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within two distinct system functions that handle user-supplied parameters without proper bounds checking, creating exploitable memory corruption scenarios that can be leveraged for privilege escalation and system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through two primary attack vectors that exploit different aspects of the database server's internal processing mechanisms. The first vector involves the xp_freedll extended stored procedure, where a maliciously crafted long parameter can overflow a fixed-size buffer during parameter handling, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data. The second vector targets the DBCC CHECKVERIFY function with an excessively long database name argument, which similarly fails to validate input length before processing, leading to buffer overflow conditions that can be manipulated to redirect program execution flow.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to database server security as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the database service account, which typically operates with elevated system permissions. The attack surface is particularly concerning because these functions are accessible through standard database connections, meaning that an attacker need only establish a valid database connection to attempt exploitation. Successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, privilege escalation to system administrator levels, and potential lateral movement within network environments where database servers reside.
The underlying flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers stack-based buffer overflow scenarios, demonstrating how inadequate input validation can create multiple attack pathways within database server implementations. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK tactics including privilege escalation through code injection and defense evasion by leveraging legitimate system processes. The exploitation techniques typically involve crafting specific payload data that exceeds buffer boundaries, potentially requiring precise memory layout knowledge and careful payload construction to achieve reliable code execution.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patch application from Sybase, which would address the buffer overflow conditions through proper input validation and bounds checking. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit database server exposure, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect anomalous database connection patterns and parameter values that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, database administrators should implement principle of least privilege configurations, ensuring that database service accounts operate with minimal required permissions and that unnecessary extended stored procedures are disabled or restricted. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in database server configurations and to verify the effectiveness of implemented controls.