CVE-2012-5529 in SQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
TraceManager in Firebird 2.5.0 and 2.5.1, when trace is enabled, allows remote authenticated users to cause a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference and crash) by preparing an empty dynamic SQL query.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5529 affects Firebird database versions 2.5.0 and 2.5.1, specifically within the TraceManager component that handles database tracing functionality. This issue represents a significant security flaw that can be exploited by authenticated remote attackers to disrupt database operations through a carefully crafted denial of service attack. The vulnerability manifests when the database trace feature is enabled, creating a condition where legitimate database operations can be interrupted by maliciously prepared SQL queries.
The technical flaw resides in the improper handling of dynamic SQL queries within the TraceManager module. When an authenticated user prepares and executes an empty dynamic SQL query while database tracing is active, the system encounters a NULL pointer dereference condition. This occurs because the tracing mechanism fails to properly validate or handle empty query scenarios, leading to a critical execution error that causes the database server process to crash and terminate unexpectedly. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and error handling within the SQL query processing pipeline, specifically when tracing is enabled.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise database availability and integrity. Remote authenticated attackers can exploit this weakness to repeatedly crash the database server, leading to extended periods of unavailability for legitimate database users and applications. This type of denial of service attack can be particularly damaging in production environments where database uptime is critical for business operations. The vulnerability affects any system running Firebird versions 2.5.0 or 2.5.1 with tracing enabled, making it a widespread concern for organizations utilizing these database versions.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-476, which addresses NULL pointer dereference conditions, and represents a classic example of improper error handling in database management systems. The attack vector requires only authenticated access to the database, making it accessible to users with legitimate database credentials who may have malicious intent. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of Firebird, disabling trace functionality when not actively needed, or applying relevant security patches. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a denial of service technique, specifically under the 'Resource Exhaustion' tactic where system resources are consumed through malicious input manipulation, potentially leading to broader service disruption impacts across dependent applications and services.