CVE-2003-1393 in SQLBase
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Gupta SQLBase 8.1.0 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long EXECUTE command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1393 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Gupta SQLBase version 8.1.0, a database management system that was widely deployed in enterprise environments during the early 2000s. This vulnerability resides in the handling of database commands, specifically the EXECUTE command which is used to execute stored procedures and database operations. The flaw manifests when the application receives a malformed EXECUTE command containing an excessive amount of data that exceeds the allocated buffer space, creating a condition where memory corruption occurs. According to the CWE classification system, this vulnerability maps to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely, making it particularly dangerous for networked database systems that are accessible over the internet or corporate networks.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow exploit involves sending a specially crafted EXECUTE command that contains more data than the receiving buffer can accommodate. When the database server processes this command, the excessive data overflows into adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting critical program structures such as return addresses, function pointers, or other control data. This memory corruption can lead to unpredictable program behavior, application crashes, and in some cases, the execution of arbitrary code within the context of the database process. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not need physical access to the system, allowing them to leverage this flaw from anywhere on the network. The attack vector follows standard remote code execution patterns as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique T1203, which involves using malicious code execution to gain unauthorized access to systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it presents a significant threat to database integrity and system security. When successfully exploited, the buffer overflow can cause the SQLBase database service to crash repeatedly, resulting in denial of service that disrupts business operations and potentially leads to data loss or corruption. More critically, if attackers can achieve code execution through this vulnerability, they gain the ability to perform unauthorized database operations, extract sensitive information, modify data, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability's potential for remote code execution places it in a high-risk category for enterprise environments where database servers often contain sensitive corporate data and are frequently exposed to external network traffic. Organizations running Gupta SQLBase 8.1.0 were particularly vulnerable as this version lacked proper input validation and memory boundary checking mechanisms that would have prevented the overflow condition. The vulnerability underscores the importance of input sanitization and robust buffer management practices in database applications, aligning with industry best practices recommended by standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines for preventing buffer overflow attacks. Organizations should have implemented immediate patches or applied security updates to address this vulnerability, as the long-term exposure could have resulted in significant security breaches and compliance violations.