CVE-2004-0289 in SignatureDB
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in sdbscan in SignatureDB 0.1.1 allows local users to cause a denial of service (segmentation fault) via a database file that contains a large key parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0289 represents a classic buffer overflow flaw within the SignatureDB 0.1.1 software suite, specifically affecting the sdbscan component. This issue manifests when the application processes database files containing excessively large key parameters, creating a scenario where memory boundaries are exceeded during data handling operations. The vulnerability resides in the software's inability to properly validate input lengths before attempting to store or process key data elements, leading to memory corruption that ultimately results in application termination through segmentation fault conditions.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow stems from inadequate bounds checking mechanisms within the sdbscan utility's parsing logic. When a maliciously crafted database file is presented to the system, the application attempts to read and store key parameters without sufficient validation of their size constraints. This fundamental flaw allows attackers to craft input data that exceeds the allocated buffer space, causing memory overwrite conditions that disrupt normal program execution flow. The vulnerability specifically targets the handling of key parameters within database structures, making it particularly dangerous in environments where automated database scanning processes are employed.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a reliable denial of service condition that can be exploited by local users with minimal privileges. The segmentation fault that occurs when processing malformed database files effectively terminates the sdbscan process, preventing legitimate database operations from completing successfully. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in automated environments where database scanning tools operate continuously, as it can lead to service disruption and potential data accessibility issues. The local privilege requirement means that exploitation does not necessarily require network access, making it a significant concern for systems where local user access is not strictly controlled.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions as a fundamental weakness in software design that can lead to arbitrary code execution or denial of service. From an attack perspective, this issue fits within the ATT&CK framework under the T1499.004 technique for "Evasion: File and Path Discovery" and potentially T1566.001 for "Initial Access: Phishing" if the vulnerability is exploited through malicious database files delivered via social engineering. The impact classification places this vulnerability in the medium severity category, though the potential for consistent denial of service makes it particularly problematic in production environments where database availability is critical.
Effective mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0289 should focus on input validation and bounds checking implementation within the sdbscan component. The most direct approach involves patching the software to implement proper buffer size validation before processing key parameters, ensuring that all input data is checked against predetermined maximum length limits. System administrators should also consider implementing database file integrity checks and monitoring for suspicious file modifications that might indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, restricting local user access to database scanning utilities and implementing proper access controls can reduce the attack surface for this particular vulnerability. Regular software updates and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to prevent similar issues from arising in other components of the SignatureDB suite or similar database management systems.