CVE-2013-1899 in PostgreSQL
Summary
by MITRE
Argument injection vulnerability in PostgreSQL 9.2.x before 9.2.4, 9.1.x before 9.1.9, and 9.0.x before 9.0.13 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (file corruption), and allows remote authenticated users to modify configuration settings and execute arbitrary code, via a connection request using a database name that begins with a "-" (hyphen).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1899 represents a critical argument injection flaw in PostgreSQL database systems affecting versions 9.2.x before 9.2.4, 9.1.x before 9.1.9, and 9.0.x before 9.0.13. This weakness stems from insufficient input validation during the database connection process, specifically when handling database names that commence with a hyphen character. The flaw operates at the command-line argument parsing level where PostgreSQL fails to properly sanitize or reject database identifiers starting with hyphens, creating a pathway for malicious exploitation. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker crafts a connection request using a database name beginning with a hyphen, which the system interprets as a command-line argument rather than a legitimate database identifier.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the Unix-style command-line argument parsing mechanism inherent in PostgreSQL's connection handling routines. When a database name begins with a hyphen, the system's argument parser treats it as the beginning of a command-line option, potentially causing the application to misinterpret subsequent arguments or configuration parameters. This misinterpretation can lead to several severe outcomes including arbitrary code execution, configuration file modification, and most critically, file corruption that results in denial of service conditions. The flaw essentially allows an authenticated attacker to inject malicious arguments into the PostgreSQL process, bypassing normal access controls and security boundaries. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-77 and CWE-78 within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, which specifically addresses command injection and argument injection vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-1899 extends beyond simple denial of service to encompass significant security compromise capabilities. An authenticated attacker with access to database connection parameters can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the PostgreSQL service account. This elevation of privilege can result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent access. The vulnerability also enables attackers to modify critical PostgreSQL configuration files, potentially leading to further system instability or complete database corruption. The denial of service aspect occurs through file corruption mechanisms where the argument injection causes the database system to write malformed data to critical system files, rendering the database service unavailable. Organizations running affected PostgreSQL versions face substantial risk given that this vulnerability can be exploited remotely by authenticated users, making it particularly dangerous in environments where database access is granted to multiple users or applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-1899 require immediate patching of affected PostgreSQL installations to versions 9.2.4, 9.1.9, or 9.0.13 respectively, which contain the necessary fixes to properly validate database name parameters. System administrators should implement additional network-level controls including firewall rules that restrict database access to trusted networks and IP addresses. Database naming conventions should be enforced to prevent the use of hyphen-prefixed identifiers, with automated validation mechanisms implemented at the application level. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.001 for command and script injection techniques, emphasizing the need for robust input validation controls and privilege separation. Organizations should also implement comprehensive monitoring for unusual database connection patterns and parameter usage that could indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include verification of PostgreSQL versions and configuration settings to prevent exploitation of similar argument injection vulnerabilities in other database systems. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of proper input validation and parameter sanitization in database applications, particularly those that interface with operating system command-line parsing mechanisms.