CVE-2015-2788 in DBD-Firebird
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in the ib_fill_isqlda function in dbdimp.c in DBD-Firebird before 1.19 allow remote attackers to have unspecified impact via unknown vectors that trigger an error condition, related to binding octets to columns.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2788 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in the DBD-Firebird Perl database driver component. This flaw exists within the ib_fill_isqlda function located in the dbdimp.c source file, affecting versions prior to 1.19 of the DBD-Firebird module. The vulnerability manifests when processing database operations that involve binding octets to columns, creating a scenario where malicious input can cause memory corruption. The buffer overflow occurs during error condition handling, specifically when the system attempts to process data that exceeds allocated stack space, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and buffer management within the database driver's column binding mechanism. When octet data is bound to database columns, the ib_fill_isqlda function fails to properly validate the size of incoming data against predetermined buffer limits. This oversight creates a classic stack buffer overflow condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the database connectivity layer, potentially allowing remote attackers to exploit the flaw from network-accessible systems without requiring local privileges. The unspecified impact mentioned in the CVE description suggests that successful exploitation could lead to various security consequences including denial of service, privilege escalation, or remote code execution depending on the specific system configuration and execution environment.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to systems utilizing Perl applications that connect to Firebird databases through the DBD-Firebird driver. Organizations running web applications, database servers, or any network-accessible systems that employ this database connectivity module face potential compromise. The remote exploitability means that attackers can leverage this vulnerability from outside the network perimeter, making it particularly dangerous for exposed database services. The nature of the flaw suggests that any application using the affected DBD-Firebird version and performing column binding operations with octet data could be vulnerable, affecting a wide range of database-connected applications including content management systems, enterprise applications, and web services. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is categorized under the broader weakness type CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write, making it a direct threat to system integrity and availability.
Security mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-2788 primarily focus on immediate remediation through version updates to DBD-Firebird 1.19 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow condition. System administrators should prioritize updating their database connectivity modules and conducting thorough testing to ensure compatibility with the patched versions. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of systems utilizing the vulnerable driver, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual database connection patterns or potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, input validation should be strengthened at application layers to minimize the impact of any potential exploitation attempts, though the primary defense remains the official software update. The vulnerability's relationship to ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter indicates that exploitation could lead to command execution capabilities, further emphasizing the need for comprehensive patch management and system hardening procedures to prevent unauthorized access and maintain overall system security posture.