CVE-2007-3566 in InterBase
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the database service (ibserver.exe) in Borland InterBase 2007 before SP2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long size value in a create request to port 3050/tcp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3566 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Borland InterBase 2007 database service component known as ibserver.exe. This weakness exists specifically in the handling of database create requests processed through the default network port 3050/tcp, making it accessible to remote attackers without requiring authentication. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the database service's request processing pipeline, where a specially crafted create request containing an excessively long size parameter can overflow the allocated stack buffer, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution on the affected system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. The exploitation scenario involves sending a malicious create request with an oversized size field to the targeted InterBase server listening on port 3050, causing the service to allocate insufficient stack space for processing the request. When the oversized parameter is processed, it overflows the stack buffer and can overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack data, enabling attackers to redirect program execution flow and inject malicious code.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations utilizing Borland InterBase 2007 prior to Service Pack 2, as it provides remote code execution capabilities without authentication requirements. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain complete control over affected database servers, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, and further lateral movement within network environments. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location on the internet, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for systems exposed to public networks or improperly secured internal networks. The impact extends beyond immediate system compromise to include potential data integrity violations, service disruption, and compliance violations in regulated environments.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the available service pack 2 update from Borland to address the buffer overflow vulnerability. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be enforced to restrict access to port 3050 to only trusted internal systems, while monitoring for suspicious network activity on this port. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper bounds checking in database server applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers may attempt to execute commands through the compromised database service. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their database infrastructure and implement proper network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to critical remote code execution flaws in enterprise database systems.