CVE-2011-1145 in unixODBC
Summary
by MITRE
The SQLDriverConnect() function in unixODBC before 2.2.14p2 have a possible buffer overflow condition when specifying a large value for SAVEFILE parameter in the connection string.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1145 affects the unixODBC library version 2.2.14p2 and earlier, specifically within the SQLDriverConnect() function. This flaw represents a classic buffer overflow condition that occurs when processing connection strings with excessively large SAVEFILE parameter values. The unixODBC library serves as a critical middleware component that enables applications to connect to various database management systems through the Open Database Connectivity standard, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments that rely on database connectivity. The issue manifests when the SAVEFILE parameter exceeds the allocated buffer space, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory regions and execute arbitrary code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and buffer management within the SQLDriverConnect() function. When a connection string contains a SAVEFILE parameter with a value exceeding the predetermined buffer limits, the function fails to properly handle the overflow condition. This condition falls under the CWE-121 CWE category, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow vulnerabilities. The flaw occurs during the parsing and processing of connection string parameters, where the library does not perform sufficient bounds checking on the SAVEFILE parameter value before copying it into internal buffers. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through remote network connections when applications use unixODBC to establish database connections, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise database servers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple attack vectors and system components within database environments. An attacker who successfully exploits this buffer overflow could gain unauthorized access to database servers, potentially leading to data theft, manipulation, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects any application that utilizes unixODBC for database connectivity, including web applications, enterprise software, and database management tools. Organizations using this library in production environments face significant risk as the exploit could be triggered through legitimate connection string parameters, making detection difficult. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1190 technique for exploitation of remote services, while also aligning with T1071 for application layer protocol usage. The impact is particularly severe in environments where database administrators use connection strings with large SAVEFILE values for logging or configuration purposes, as these scenarios provide the perfect conditions for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1145 primarily focus on immediate patching and configuration hardening measures. The most effective solution involves upgrading to unixODBC version 2.2.14p2 or later, which contains the necessary buffer overflow protections and input validation improvements. Organizations should also implement connection string validation policies that limit the size of parameter values and enforce strict input sanitization. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of systems that utilize unixODBC for database connectivity. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual connection string patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of address space layout randomization and stack canaries can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though these are secondary to the primary patching requirement. System administrators should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems using vulnerable unixODBC versions and prioritize remediation efforts based on risk exposure levels.