CVE-2023-34364 in DataDirect Connect for ODBC
Summary
by MITRE • 06/09/2023
A buffer overflow was discovered in Progress DataDirect Connect for ODBC before 08.02.2770 for Oracle. An overly large value for certain options of a connection string may overrun the buffer allocated to process the string value. This allows an attacker to execute code of their choice on an affected host by copying carefully selected data that will be executed as code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-34364 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Progress DataDirect Connect for ODBC version 08.02.2770 and earlier releases specifically targeting Oracle database connections. This weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the connection string processing functionality, where the software fails to properly sanitize or limit the size of certain parameter values. The flaw manifests when an attacker provides an excessively large value for specific connection string options, triggering a buffer overflow condition that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code on the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability places the software at risk due to improper memory management practices during connection string parsing operations. When the application processes connection string parameters, it allocates a fixed-size buffer to accommodate expected input values, but fails to validate whether incoming data exceeds predetermined limits. This classic buffer overflow scenario occurs because the implementation does not perform bounds checking on string length parameters, allowing maliciously crafted input to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability specifically affects the Oracle database connectivity component of the DataDirect ODBC driver, making it particularly dangerous for environments heavily reliant on Oracle database connections. The flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-787, addressing out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities to encompass potential system compromise and data breaches. An attacker exploiting this buffer overflow can gain arbitrary code execution privileges on the host system, potentially leading to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, or privilege escalation attacks. The attack vector requires minimal user interaction since the vulnerability can be triggered through malformed connection string parameters passed to the ODBC driver during database connection establishment. This makes the exploit particularly dangerous in automated environments where database connection strings may be generated from untrusted sources or user inputs. The vulnerability affects organizations using Progress DataDirect Connect for ODBC in mission-critical applications, potentially exposing sensitive data and disrupting business operations. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for command and script interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, indicating the potential for lateral movement and system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-34364 require immediate action including patching the affected software to version 08.02.2770 or later, which contains the necessary memory boundary checks and input validation controls. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to systems running the vulnerable ODBC driver and monitor for suspicious connection string patterns in database access logs. Input sanitization measures should be enforced at all levels of the application stack where database connection strings are processed, including validation of parameter lengths and enforcement of maximum value limits. Additionally, implementing runtime protections such as address space layout randomization and data execution prevention can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments across all systems utilizing Progress DataDirect Connect for ODBC and establish monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and memory management in database connectivity components, highlighting the need for robust software security practices throughout the development lifecycle.