CVE-2017-11509 in SQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
An authenticated remote attacker can execute arbitrary code in Firebird SQL Server versions 2.5.7 and 3.0.2 by executing a malformed SQL statement.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11509 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Firebird SQL Server versions 2.5.7 and 3.0.2 that fundamentally compromises system integrity. This vulnerability exists within the database management system's handling of malformed SQL statements, creating an exploitable condition that allows authenticated attackers to gain arbitrary code execution privileges. The flaw specifically manifests when the server processes specially crafted SQL input that triggers unexpected behavior in the query processing engine, ultimately leading to unauthorized code execution on the target system.
Technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an authenticated user account with sufficient privileges to submit SQL statements to the Firebird server instance. The malformed SQL statement construction leverages buffer overflow conditions or memory corruption patterns that occur during query parsing and execution phases. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-787, which addresses out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities. The attack vector operates through the standard database communication protocols, making it particularly dangerous as it can be executed over network connections without requiring physical access to the server infrastructure.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11509 extends far beyond simple data compromise, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system takeover and persistent backdoor establishment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability gains the ability to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the database service account, which often runs with elevated system permissions. This creates a significant risk of lateral movement within network environments, as database servers frequently have access to sensitive corporate data and may serve as stepping stones to other critical systems. The vulnerability affects both Firebird 2.5.7 and 3.0.2 versions, indicating a widespread impact across multiple release lines and potentially affecting organizations with legacy database deployments.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches and updates that address the specific SQL parsing vulnerabilities in affected Firebird versions. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit database access to only authorized personnel and applications. The implementation of database activity monitoring and intrusion detection systems can help identify anomalous SQL execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other database systems and applications. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.002, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, and T1078.004, covering valid accounts as part of the broader attack lifecycle that includes privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms.