CVE-2007-4664 in SQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the (1) attach database and (2) create database functionality in Firebird before 2.0.2, when a filename exceeds MAX_PATH_LEN, has unknown impact and attack vectors, aka CORE-1405.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4664 represents a critical security flaw in the Firebird database management system affecting versions prior to 2.0.2. This issue specifically impacts the attach database and create database functionality within the database engine, creating potential security risks for organizations relying on this open-source database solution. The vulnerability manifests when database filenames exceed the maximum path length limit defined by MAX_PATH_LEN, which creates an unpredictable security landscape with unknown impact and attack vectors. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of buffer overflows or path handling issues that can potentially be exploited to disrupt database operations or gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and path length checking within the Firebird database engine's core functionality. When a database filename surpasses the predefined MAX_PATH_LEN threshold, the system fails to properly handle the extended path, potentially leading to memory corruption or unexpected behavior in the database attachment and creation processes. This flaw represents a classic example of improper handling of file system paths and can be categorized under CWE-121, which deals with stack-based buffer overflow conditions. The vulnerability exists at the intersection of file system path handling and database engine functionality, creating a dangerous scenario where malicious actors could potentially exploit the path length limitation to cause system instability or execute arbitrary code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple database functionality disruption, as it can affect the overall reliability and security posture of systems using Firebird. Organizations may experience unexpected database connection failures, application crashes, or potential privilege escalation scenarios when database operations exceed the defined path limits. The unknown attack vectors associated with this vulnerability make it particularly dangerous because security teams cannot predict or adequately defend against specific exploitation techniques. This type of vulnerability can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059, which involves executing malicious code through database management systems, or potentially T1484 which relates to creating or modifying system processes through database manipulation. The lack of specific impact information makes this vulnerability particularly challenging for security professionals to assess risk and implement appropriate controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-4664 should prioritize immediate patching of Firebird installations to version 2.0.2 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper path length validation and input sanitization. System administrators should implement monitoring for database connection failures or unusual path handling behaviors that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additional protective measures include restricting database file naming conventions to prevent excessively long paths, implementing network segmentation to limit database access, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments of database environments. Organizations should also establish secure coding practices for database applications that properly validate input parameters and implement proper error handling for path-related operations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of adhering to security best practices in database development and underscores the need for regular security updates and patch management programs. Proper input validation and path length checking mechanisms should be implemented in all database-related applications to prevent similar issues from occurring in other systems.