CVE-2018-7485 in unixODBC
Summary
by MITRE
The SQLWriteFileDSN function in odbcinst/SQLWriteFileDSN.c in unixODBC 2.3.5 has strncpy arguments in the wrong order, which allows attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly have unspecified other impact.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-7485 resides within the unixODBC library version 2.3.5, specifically in the SQLWriteFileDSN function located in the odbcinst/SQLWriteFileDSN.c file. This flaw represents a classic buffer overflow condition that arises from incorrect argument ordering in the strncpy function call, a fundamental programming error that can have severe operational consequences for systems relying on this database connectivity framework. The unixODBC library serves as a critical component for enabling database connectivity on Unix-like systems, providing an ODBC driver manager that allows applications to connect to various database management systems through standardized interfaces.
The technical flaw manifests when the strncpy function receives its arguments in incorrect order, specifically when the destination buffer size parameter and the source string parameter are swapped. This misordering causes the function to copy data into the destination buffer using an incorrect size value, potentially leading to buffer overflows or memory corruption conditions. When attackers exploit this vulnerability through carefully crafted input parameters during DSN (Data Source Name) creation or modification operations, the improper function call can result in memory corruption that may trigger application crashes or system instability. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the library level, affecting all applications that utilize unixODBC for database connectivity, regardless of their specific implementation details.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as the memory corruption resulting from the incorrect strncpy arguments could potentially enable more sophisticated attacks depending on the system configuration and memory layout. While the primary effect documented is denial of service through application crashes, the unspecified other impacts mentioned in the vulnerability description suggest potential for more severe consequences including privilege escalation or code execution under certain conditions. Systems utilizing unixODBC for database connectivity are particularly at risk, including web applications, enterprise database management systems, and any software that relies on ODBC drivers for data access operations. The vulnerability affects organizations running unixODBC 2.3.5 or earlier versions, potentially exposing critical database infrastructure to exploitation by malicious actors who understand the specific memory corruption patterns associated with this flaw.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-7485 primarily involve immediate patching of the unixODBC library to version 2.3.6 or later, where the strncpy argument ordering issue has been corrected. System administrators should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all systems utilizing affected unixODBC versions and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls around database servers can limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions, and could potentially map to ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage if exploitation leads to code execution. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization to mitigate potential exploitation scenarios, while maintaining regular vulnerability scanning procedures to identify similar issues in other system components.