CVE-2008-0107 in SQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Integer underflow in SQL Server 7.0 SP4, 2000 SP4, 2005 SP1 and SP2, 2000 Desktop Engine (MSDE 2000) SP4, 2005 Express Edition SP1 and SP2, and 2000 Desktop Engine (WMSDE); Microsoft Data Engine (MSDE) 1.0 SP4; and Internal Database (WYukon) SP2 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code via a (1) SMB or (2) WebDAV pathname for an on-disk file (aka stored backup file) with a crafted record size value, which triggers a heap-based buffer overflow, aka "SQL Server Memory Corruption Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2019
This vulnerability represents a critical integer underflow flaw affecting multiple versions of Microsoft SQL Server and related database engines including SQL Server 7.0 SP4, 2000 SP4, 2005 SP1 and SP2, MSDE 2000 SP4, SQL Server 2005 Express Edition SP1 and SP2, MSDE 1.0 SP4, and WYukon SP2. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the database engine's handling of stored backup files, specifically when processing SMB or WebDAV pathnames that reference on-disk files. The flaw manifests when a crafted record size value is provided in backup file metadata, which triggers an integer underflow condition that subsequently leads to heap-based buffer overflow exploitation. This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, and CWE-121, Stack-based Buffer Overflow, while also aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.002 for command and script injection through database interfaces.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs during the processing of backup files stored on remote file systems, where the database engine fails to properly validate the size parameters of backup records before allocating memory buffers. When an authenticated attacker provides a maliciously crafted backup file with a negative or excessively large record size value, the integer underflow causes the memory allocation routine to compute an incorrect buffer size, leading to insufficient memory allocation that creates a heap-based buffer overflow condition. This memory corruption allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious code, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the SQL Server service account. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only authenticated access to the database system, making it exploitable by users with legitimate database credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass full system compromise when combined with appropriate attack vectors. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code on the database server, potentially leading to data exfiltration, lateral movement within the network, or complete system takeover. The vulnerability affects multiple Microsoft database products simultaneously, increasing the attack surface significantly across enterprise environments that maintain legacy SQL Server installations. Organizations with outdated SQL Server deployments are particularly at risk since many enterprises continue to operate these older versions due to application compatibility requirements or migration delays. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges but can result in maximum impact, making it a prime target for both external attackers seeking to compromise database servers and internal threat actors seeking to escalate privileges within database environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patch application to all affected SQL Server versions, as Microsoft released security updates specifically addressing this integer underflow condition. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to database servers and enforce the principle of least privilege for database accounts. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary network protocols such as SMB and WebDAV access to database backup locations, implementing strict file access controls on backup directories, and monitoring for unusual backup file creation or modification patterns. Security teams should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous backup file processing behavior and provide alerts for potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in database engine development, highlighting the need for comprehensive security testing of legacy systems and the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches across all database infrastructure components.