CVE-2010-4015 in PostgreSQL
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the gettoken function in contrib/intarray/_int_bool.c in the intarray array module in PostgreSQL 9.0.x before 9.0.3, 8.4.x before 8.4.7, 8.3.x before 8.3.14, and 8.2.x before 8.2.20 allows remote authenticated users to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via integers with a large number of digits to unspecified functions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4015 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the PostgreSQL intarray module that affects multiple versions of the database system. This issue resides in the gettoken function located in contrib/intarray/_int_bool.c, where improper input validation leads to memory corruption when processing integers with an excessive number of digits. The vulnerability specifically impacts PostgreSQL versions 9.0.x before 9.0.3, 8.4.x before 8.4.7, 8.3.x before 8.3.14, and 8.2.x before 8.2.20, creating a widespread risk across numerous database deployments. The flaw manifests when authenticated remote users submit malformed integer inputs containing a large number of digits to unspecified functions within the intarray module, potentially leading to system instability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking in the buffer management of the gettoken function, which fails to properly validate the length of integer inputs before processing them. This buffer overflow condition creates an opportunity for attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially execute arbitrary code on the target system. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of software security and database integrity, where the intarray module's handling of integer arrays becomes a vector for exploitation. According to CWE classification, this represents a classic buffer overflow weakness categorized under CWE-121, which involves insufficient restriction of operations within a fixed buffer, making it susceptible to overflows that can compromise system memory and execution flow. The attack vector requires authenticated access to the database system, meaning that while the vulnerability is exploitable by legitimate users, it does not represent a privilege escalation issue but rather a means of causing system disruption.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-4015 extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enable remote code execution, making it a significant concern for database administrators and security teams. When exploited, the buffer overflow can cause the PostgreSQL server process to crash, resulting in immediate denial of service that disrupts database operations and potentially affects business continuity. The possibility of arbitrary code execution adds another dimension of risk, as attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to the database server or potentially escalate privileges within the system. Organizations running affected PostgreSQL versions face substantial risk exposure, particularly in environments where database authentication is relatively permissive or where database users have elevated privileges. The vulnerability's presence in multiple major versions of PostgreSQL indicates a prolonged period of exposure without adequate mitigation, highlighting the importance of regular security updates and patch management.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4015 primarily involve applying the official security patches released by PostgreSQL for the affected versions, which address the buffer overflow in the gettoken function through proper input validation and bounds checking. Database administrators should prioritize updating their PostgreSQL installations to versions 9.0.3, 8.4.7, 8.3.14, or 8.2.20 respectively, depending on their current deployment. Additionally, implementing network-level controls such as firewall rules to restrict database access to trusted sources and employing intrusion detection systems can provide layered defense against potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1210, which involves exploiting weaknesses in remote services, emphasizes the need for comprehensive network security measures. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring to detect anomalous integer input patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for this specific vulnerability to ensure complete remediation across all database instances and prevent potential exploitation by malicious actors seeking to leverage this buffer overflow for unauthorized access or service disruption.