CVE-2007-4668 in SQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the server in Firebird before 2.0.2 allows remote attackers to determine the existence of arbitrary files, and possibly obtain other "file access," via unknown vectors, aka CORE-1312.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4668 represents a significant information disclosure flaw within the Firebird database server software version 2.0.1 and earlier. This issue falls under the category of unspecified vulnerability type, indicating that the exact technical mechanism remains partially obscured in the initial reporting. The vulnerability is classified as a file access issue that enables remote attackers to determine the existence of arbitrary files on the target system. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning because it provides attackers with reconnaissance capabilities that can be leveraged for further exploitation attempts.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and file access controls within the Firebird server implementation. Attackers can exploit this weakness through unknown vectors that allow them to probe the file system structure and identify whether specific files or directories exist on the server. This capability directly violates the principle of least privilege and exposes the underlying file system to unauthorized enumeration. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-200, which deals with Information Exposure, and represents a form of information leakage that can be exploited to gather intelligence about the target environment. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it allows for remote file system enumeration without requiring authentication or specific privileges, making it an attractive target for reconnaissance activities.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for organizations using Firebird database servers in their infrastructure. The ability to determine file existence enables attackers to map the file system structure and identify potentially sensitive files, configuration data, or system binaries that could be exploited in subsequent attacks. This information disclosure can lead to more sophisticated attacks including privilege escalation, data theft, or system compromise. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the network, making it particularly dangerous in environments where database servers are exposed to untrusted networks. The lack of specific details about the attack vectors in the original description suggests that this vulnerability may be exploitable through multiple methods, increasing the overall risk surface.
The implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more complex attack chains. Security professionals should consider this weakness in the context of the ATT&CK framework, particularly under the reconnaissance and credential access phases where attackers gather information about target systems. The vulnerability can be used to identify system configuration files, database backup files, or other sensitive artifacts that might contain credentials or system information. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to database servers and ensure that Firebird installations are updated to version 2.0.2 or later where this vulnerability has been addressed. Additionally, regular security assessments should include checks for outdated database software versions that may contain unpatched vulnerabilities like CVE-2007-4668. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping database software updated and implementing proper access controls to prevent unauthorized file system enumeration.