CVE-2007-3181 in SQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in fbserver.exe in Firebird SQL 2 before 2.0.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a large p_cnct_count value in a p_cnct structure in a connect (0x01) request to port 3050/tcp, related to "an InterBase version of gds32.dll."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3181 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the fbserver.exe component of Firebird SQL database server versions prior to 2.0.1. This flaw exists in the database server's handling of connection requests and specifically affects the p_cnct_count field within the p_cnct structure that is processed during the initial connect (0x01) request sent to the standard database port 3050/tcp. The vulnerability stems from an InterBase version of gds32.dll which serves as the core database services library responsible for managing client-server communications and connection handling.
The technical exploitation of this buffer overflow occurs when a remote attacker crafts a malicious connect request containing an excessively large p_cnct_count value that exceeds the allocated buffer space in the fbserver.exe process memory. This condition allows the attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the database server process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the protocol level where network-based attacks can be easily initiated without requiring local system access or authentication credentials.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant security risk for organizations relying on Firebird SQL databases as it enables remote code execution capabilities that could lead to complete system compromise. Attackers could leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to database servers, potentially leading to data theft, modification of critical database records, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The impact extends beyond simple database compromise as the attacker could use the elevated privileges to move laterally within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where Firebird SQL servers are exposed to untrusted networks or internet-facing systems without proper network segmentation.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of improper input validation where the system fails to properly check the size of user-supplied data before processing it. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it allows attackers to exploit a publicly accessible database service. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the security patch released with Firebird SQL 2.0.1, configuring network access controls to restrict port 3050/tcp access to trusted networks only, and implementing network monitoring to detect anomalous connection patterns. Additionally, regular security assessments should verify that all database server components are updated to supported versions and that proper input validation mechanisms are in place to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other database components.