CVE-2013-2492 in SQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Firebird 2.1.3 through 2.1.5 before 18514, and 2.5.1 through 2.5.3 before 26623, on Windows allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted packet to TCP port 3050, related to a missing size check during extraction of a group number from CNCT information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2492 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow affecting Firebird database server versions 2.1.3 through 2.1.5 before build 18514 and 2.5.1 through 2.5.3 before build 26623 on Windows operating systems. This flaw exists within the database server's network protocol handling mechanism, specifically during the processing of connection packets transmitted over the standard TCP port 3050. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation during the extraction of group numbers from CNCT (connect) information structures, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can overflow the allocated stack buffer space. The flaw enables remote code execution without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where database servers are exposed to untrusted networks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted network packet that manipulates the connection handshake process. When the Firebird server receives a malformed CNCT packet containing an oversized group number field, the application fails to perform proper bounds checking before copying this data into a fixed-size stack buffer. This missing size validation creates a classic stack buffer overflow condition where the attacker-controlled data overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially overwriting return addresses, function pointers, or other critical control data. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that the affected versions of Firebird typically run with elevated privileges on Windows systems, providing attackers with potential access to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the database service account.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risk to organizations relying on Firebird database servers in production environments. The remote exploit capability means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication credentials. The attack vector is particularly concerning because TCP port 3050 is commonly exposed in network configurations, especially in enterprise environments where database connectivity is required across network boundaries. Organizations may experience complete system compromise, data theft, or service disruption if this vulnerability remains unpatched. The vulnerability also aligns with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and "Remote Services" tactics, demonstrating how database server vulnerabilities can be leveraged for broader network compromise.
Security mitigations for CVE-2013-2492 primarily involve applying official patches released by the Firebird development team, which address the missing size validation in the CNCT packet processing logic. Organizations should immediately upgrade to patched versions of Firebird 2.1.5 or 2.5.3, ensuring that the specific build numbers mentioned in the vulnerability advisory are applied. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to TCP port 3050, limiting exposure to trusted networks only. Additionally, implementing network monitoring to detect unusual connection patterns or malformed packets on port 3050 can help identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow, which represents a well-known class of memory safety issues that have historically led to significant security incidents. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability pattern.