CVE-2012-0868 in PostgreSQL
Summary
by MITRE
CRLF injection vulnerability in pg_dump in PostgreSQL 8.3.x before 8.3.18, 8.4.x before 8.4.11, 9.0.x before 9.0.7, and 9.1.x before 9.1.3 allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via a crafted file containing object names with newlines, which are inserted into an SQL script that is used when the database is restored.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2021
The CVE-2012-0868 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site request forgery and command injection flaw within the PostgreSQL database system's pg_dump utility. This vulnerability specifically affects multiple versions of PostgreSQL including 8.3.x series before 8.3.18, 8.4.x series before 8.4.11, 9.0.x series before 9.0.7, and 9.1.x series before 9.1.3. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of object names during the database dump process, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the SQL script generation mechanism.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through CRLF (Carriage Return Line Feed) injection techniques where attackers craft malicious file names containing newline characters that are then processed by pg_dump. When these specially crafted object names are included in the dump file, the newline characters are preserved and inserted directly into the generated SQL script. This allows attackers to inject additional SQL commands that will be executed during database restoration, effectively enabling arbitrary code execution within the target database environment. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under CWE-1107, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of CRLF characters in SQL commands, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.008 for SQL injection attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with the capability to execute unauthorized SQL commands on the target database system. During database restoration, any maliciously crafted object names containing newline characters can trigger the execution of arbitrary SQL statements, potentially leading to data manipulation, unauthorized access, privilege escalation, or complete database compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely through user-assisted means, requiring minimal privileges to initiate the attack vector. Attackers can leverage this flaw to perform unauthorized database operations, extract sensitive information, modify database structures, or even gain deeper access to the underlying system through database-specific attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0868 should focus on immediate version upgrades to patched PostgreSQL releases, specifically targeting PostgreSQL 8.3.18, 8.4.11, 9.0.7, and 9.1.3 respectively. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization measures for all database object names and file names processed by pg_dump, particularly focusing on removing or escaping special characters including carriage returns and line feeds. Network-level controls such as firewall rules and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for unusual database dump operations and suspicious SQL command patterns. Additionally, database administrators should implement proper access controls and privilege management, ensuring that only authorized users can perform database backup and restore operations. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, aligning with industry standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework recommendations for preventing injection attacks and maintaining database security hygiene.