CVE-2005-0944 in Jet Database Engine
Summary
by MITRE
Unknown vulnerability in Microsoft Jet DB engine (msjet40.dll) 4.00.8618.0, related to insufficient data validation, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted mdb file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0944 represents a critical security flaw within Microsoft Jet Database Engine version 4.00.8618.0, specifically in the msjet40.dll component that governs database operations. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the database engine's processing pipeline, creating a significant attack surface that adversaries can exploit to gain unauthorized system control. The vulnerability manifests when the engine processes malformed or specially crafted mdb database files, which contain maliciously constructed data structures designed to trigger buffer overflows or other memory corruption conditions during normal database operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of database file formats that the Jet engine accepts for processing, particularly affecting applications that utilize the Microsoft Jet Database Engine for data storage and retrieval. When a victim opens or processes a maliciously crafted mdb file, the insufficient validation routines within msjet40.dll fail to properly sanitize the input data, allowing attackers to construct database records that exceed allocated memory boundaries or manipulate internal data structures. This fundamental flaw in data validation creates conditions where attacker-controlled data can overwrite critical memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable application. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-125 Out-of-bounds Read and CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write classifications, representing both read and write memory corruption scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to gain complete control over affected systems. Applications that rely on the Jet Database Engine for data management, including legacy Microsoft Office applications, custom database-driven software, and various enterprise systems, become potential targets for exploitation. The remote nature of the attack vector means that adversaries can deliver malicious mdb files through various channels such as email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing services, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently interact with external data sources. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution and T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables attackers to execute malicious code on target systems without requiring local access or elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0944 should focus on immediate patching of affected Microsoft Jet Database Engine components, as well as implementing comprehensive input validation controls within applications that process database files. Organizations should consider disabling or restricting the processing of untrusted database files, particularly in environments where users may encounter external mdb files. Network-level controls such as content filtering and email security solutions should be configured to block suspicious database file attachments. Additionally, application sandboxing and privilege separation techniques can help limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. System administrators should monitor for unusual database processing activities that might indicate exploitation attempts, while also implementing regular security assessments to identify other potential vulnerabilities in legacy database processing components. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in database engine implementations, highlighting the need for robust security controls in enterprise database environments.