CVE-2004-1298 in vb2c
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the parse function in vb2c.c for vb2c 0.02 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted FRM file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1298 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the vb2c utility version 0.02, specifically affecting the parse function implementation in the vb2c.c source file. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and bounds checking when processing FRM files, which are typically used for database schema definitions in the Visual Basic environment. The flaw creates a condition where an attacker can craft a malicious FRM file that, when processed by the vulnerable vb2c utility, triggers memory corruption through improper buffer handling during parsing operations. The buffer overflow occurs when the utility attempts to copy data from the crafted FRM file into a fixed-size buffer without adequate bounds verification, allowing the attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the vb2c utility.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes classic stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with the attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.1001 technique for command and scripting interpreter. The vulnerability specifically targets the memory management practices within the vb2c utility's parsing logic, where the application fails to properly validate the length of input data before copying it into internal buffers. When a malicious FRM file contains oversized data structures or crafted payload sequences, the parse function in vb2c.c does not enforce proper buffer boundaries, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for code execution. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where the vb2c utility processes untrusted input from remote sources, as it provides a direct path for remote code execution attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-1298 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can potentially allow attackers to escalate privileges, gain persistent access to systems, or compromise entire network infrastructures that rely on vulnerable vb2c implementations. The vulnerability affects systems where vb2c 0.02 is deployed to process database schema files, particularly in environments where automated processing of external FRM files occurs. Attackers can exploit this weakness by delivering malicious FRM files through various vectors including web downloads, email attachments, or file transfer protocols, making the attack surface broad and potentially difficult to control. The remote execution capability means that this vulnerability does not require local access or user interaction beyond the initial file processing, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise systems without direct physical or network access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1298 should prioritize immediate patching of the vb2c utility to version 0.03 or later, which contains the necessary buffer overflow protections and input validation improvements. System administrators should implement strict input validation policies for all FRM file processing, including file format verification and size limitations to prevent oversized data from reaching the vulnerable parsing functions. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the exposure of systems running vulnerable vb2c versions, particularly in environments where external file processing is required. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of vb2c utilities to trusted environments and monitoring for unusual file processing activities can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices, particularly around buffer management and input validation, as emphasized in the OWASP Top Ten security risks and the CERT/CC secure coding guidelines that recommend defensive programming techniques to prevent such memory corruption vulnerabilities from occurring in the first place.