CVE-2008-1910 in InterBase
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the database service (ibserver.exe) in Borland InterBase 2007 SP2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a malformed opcode 0x52 request to TCP port 3050. NOTE: this might overlap CVE-2007-5243 or CVE-2007-5244.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1910 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the database service component of Borland InterBase 2007 SP2. This vulnerability specifically affects the ibserver.exe process which serves as the core database engine responsible for handling client connections and database operations. The flaw manifests when the service receives a malformed opcode 0x52 request over TCP port 3050, which is the default port used by InterBase for database communications. The buffer overflow occurs in the stack memory management of the database server process, creating a potential entry point for malicious actors to gain unauthorized control over the system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the inherent weakness in input validation mechanisms within the InterBase database service. When a remote attacker crafts a specially formatted request containing opcode 0x52, the server fails to properly validate the length of incoming data before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This classic buffer overflow scenario allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the database service account. The vulnerability's remote nature means attackers do not require local system access to exploit this flaw, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where database services are exposed to external traffic.
From an operational impact perspective, successful exploitation of CVE-2008-1910 could result in complete system compromise, data theft, or service disruption for organizations using Borland InterBase 2007 SP2. The database service typically runs with elevated privileges to perform database operations, making successful exploitation potentially devastating for the affected systems. Organizations may experience unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion, while the attacker could establish persistent access through backdoor mechanisms. The vulnerability's overlap with CVE-2007-5243 and CVE-2007-5244 suggests a broader class of issues within the InterBase 2007 SP2 release, indicating that similar buffer overflow conditions might exist in other opcode handlers within the same software version. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a high-risk weakness in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability primarily involve immediate patching of the affected InterBase 2007 SP2 installation with the vendor-provided security updates. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to restrict access to TCP port 3050, limiting exposure to trusted networks only. Additional defensive measures include monitoring network traffic for unusual opcode 0x52 requests and implementing intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application technique, as it represents an exploitation of a publicly accessible database service. Network administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary database services and implementing strict access controls to minimize the attack surface. Given the age of this vulnerability and the potential for continued exploitation in unpatched environments, organizations should prioritize immediate remediation efforts and conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their database infrastructure.