CVE-2003-0197 in Interbase
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow gds_lock_mgr of Interbase Database 6.x allows local users to gain privileges via a long ISC_LOCK_ENV environment variable (INTERBASE_LOCK).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0197 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Interbase Database 6.x software family, specifically affecting the gds_lock_mgr component responsible for managing database locks. This issue arises from insufficient input validation when processing the ISC_LOCK_ENV environment variable, which is internally referenced as INTERBASE_LOCK. The flaw exists at the intersection of improper input handling and memory management, creating a pathway for privilege escalation attacks that can be exploited by local users with minimal system access. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the database management system's failure to properly validate the length of environment variable inputs before processing them within fixed-size memory buffers. When a local user sets an excessively long ISC_LOCK_ENV variable, the system attempts to copy this data into a predetermined buffer size without adequate boundary checks. This classic buffer overflow scenario allows maliciously crafted input to overwrite adjacent memory segments, potentially corrupting program execution flow or injecting malicious code. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only local system access, making it accessible to users who may not have administrative privileges initially. The vulnerability operates under the principle of stack-based buffer overflow as described in CWE-122, where the overflow occurs in stack memory allocated for local variables and function parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially compromise the entire database system integrity. Local users who successfully exploit this buffer overflow can gain elevated privileges within the database environment, potentially allowing them to access restricted data, modify database contents, or even execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the database service account. This represents a significant security risk for organizations relying on Interbase 6.x systems, as the attack requires minimal privileges to initiate and can lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's exploitation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' and demonstrates how buffer overflow conditions can be leveraged to bypass traditional access controls. Organizations may experience data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, or complete system takeovers if this vulnerability remains unpatched.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-0197 should focus on immediate patch application from the vendor, as Interbase 6.x is a legacy system with no current support. System administrators should implement strict environment variable validation and monitoring to prevent malicious input from reaching vulnerable components. Additionally, privilege separation techniques should be employed to ensure database service accounts operate with minimal required permissions. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Regular security audits should include verification of environment variable configurations and memory management practices within database systems. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can monitor for unusual environment variable modifications or memory access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and buffer management practices in database security, aligning with security standards that emphasize defensive programming techniques to prevent memory corruption vulnerabilities.