CVE-2007-5243 in Interbase
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in Borland InterBase LI 8.0.0.53 through 8.1.0.253, and WI 5.1.1.680 through 8.1.0.257, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via (1) a long service attach request on TCP port 3050 to the (a) SVC_attach or (b) INET_connect function, (2) a long create request on TCP port 3050 to the (c) isc_create_database or (d) jrd8_create_database function, (3) a long attach request on TCP port 3050 to the (e) isc_attach_database or (f) PWD_db_aliased function, or unspecified vectors involving the (4) jrd8_attach_database or (5) expand_filename2 function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-5243 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow issue affecting Borland InterBase database server versions ranging from LI 8.0.0.53 through 8.1.0.253 and WI 5.1.1.680 through 8.1.0.257. This security flaw resides within the database server's network communication handling mechanisms, specifically targeting the TCP port 3050 which serves as the primary communication endpoint for InterBase database operations. The vulnerability manifests through multiple attack vectors that exploit improper input validation in various database connection and creation functions, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through different types of database operations. The stack-based nature of these buffer overflows means that attackers can overwrite critical memory locations including return addresses and function pointers, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking in several core database functions that process network requests. When the database server receives malformed or excessively long service attach requests through the SVC_attach or INET_connect functions, or when processing create requests through isc_create_database or jrd8_create_database functions, the server fails to properly validate the length of incoming data before copying it into fixed-size stack buffers. Similarly, when handling attach requests via isc_attach_database or PWD_db_aliased functions, or through the jrd8_attach_database and expand_filename2 functions, the server's input handling code does not adequately protect against buffer overflows. These functions are particularly susceptible because they process user-supplied data directly from network connections without sufficient input sanitization, creating predictable memory corruption patterns that attackers can exploit to inject and execute malicious code.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-5243 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass full system compromise capabilities, making it a severe threat to database server environments. Remote attackers can leverage these vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the database server process, which typically runs with elevated permissions. This could result in complete data compromise, unauthorized access to sensitive information, system takeover, and potential lateral movement within network environments where database servers are deployed. The vulnerability affects database servers that are accessible over the network, meaning that organizations with exposed InterBase instances on their networks are at risk, particularly those without proper network segmentation or firewall controls. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that multiple functions can be exploited, providing attackers with several potential entry points and reducing the likelihood of successful defense through single-point mitigations.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including applying available vendor patches, implementing network segmentation to restrict access to TCP port 3050, and deploying network intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious traffic patterns. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary database services and implementing strict access controls to limit who can connect to database servers. From a defensive perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow weakness category and maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 command and scripting interpreter and T1071 application layer protocol for maintaining access. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in network services and highlights the need for robust memory safety practices in database server implementations. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected InterBase versions and ensure proper patch management processes are in place to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.