CVE-2011-0027 in Data Access Components
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Data Access Components (MDAC) 2.8 SP1 and SP2, and Windows Data Access Components (WDAC) 6.0, does not properly validate memory allocation for internal data structures, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code, possibly via a large CacheSize property that triggers an integer wrap and a buffer overflow, aka "ADO Record Memory Vulnerability." NOTE: this might be a duplicate of CVE-2010-1117 or CVE-2010-1118.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2025
The CVE-2011-0027 vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft Data Access Components and Windows Data Access Components that enables remote code execution through improper memory validation. This vulnerability specifically affects MDAC 2.8 Service Pack 1 and 2, as well as WDAC 6.0, where the software fails to adequately validate memory allocation for internal data structures during processing of user-supplied data. The flaw manifests when a maliciously crafted CacheSize property value triggers an integer wrap condition that subsequently causes a buffer overflow, providing attackers with the means to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability's impact extends across multiple Microsoft data access technologies, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments that rely heavily on database connectivity and data manipulation operations. This issue operates at the intersection of memory management flaws and application security, demonstrating how seemingly benign configuration parameters can become attack vectors when proper input validation is absent.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the manipulation of the CacheSize property within ActiveX Data Objects (ADO) components to trigger integer overflow conditions that lead to memory corruption. When the CacheSize parameter exceeds the maximum allowable value, the integer wrap causes the system to allocate insufficient memory for the intended buffer size, creating a situation where subsequent data writes overflow into adjacent memory regions. This buffer overflow condition can be leveraged by remote attackers to overwrite critical memory locations, potentially including return addresses or function pointers, thereby enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected application. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios, depending on the specific exploitation vector and memory layout. The integer wrap condition specifically relates to CWE-191, which addresses integer underflow and overflow conditions that can lead to memory corruption.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations utilizing Microsoft data access technologies, particularly in environments where remote code execution capabilities could be leveraged for lateral movement or privilege escalation. The attack surface includes web applications, database servers, and any system that utilizes ADO components for data access operations, making the impact far-reaching across enterprise networks. The vulnerability's potential for remote exploitation without authentication requirements means that attackers can target systems from outside the network perimeter, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Organizations running affected versions of MDAC or WDAC components are particularly vulnerable, as the flaw exists within core data access functionality that is commonly used across numerous applications and services. The vulnerability's relationship to CVE-2010-1117 and CVE-2010-1118 suggests it may represent a variant or overlapping issue within Microsoft's data access component family, indicating broader systemic problems in the memory management implementation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0027 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with Microsoft security updates, as the vulnerability has been addressed through official Microsoft patches. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit exposure of systems running affected data access components, particularly those accessible from untrusted networks. Input validation controls should be implemented at application layers to sanitize CacheSize parameter values before they reach the underlying data access components, providing defense-in-depth protection. Security monitoring should include detection of anomalous CacheSize parameter values in application logs and network traffic, as these may indicate exploitation attempts. System administrators should consider disabling unnecessary ADO functionality where possible and implement least-privilege principles for applications that utilize data access components. The vulnerability's characteristics make it particularly suitable for exploitation through web-based attack vectors, making web application firewalls and input validation mechanisms crucial defensive controls. Additionally, regular security assessments of data access component usage and proper configuration management should be implemented to prevent exploitation through misconfigured systems.