CVE-2024-21347: Understanding Microsoft ODBC Driver Remote Code Execution Vulnerability, Exploitation, and Protection

In recent years, we have witnessed a drastic increase in cyber threats and exploitation of software vulnerabilities. One such vulnerability has been identified in Microsoft’s Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) driver, assigned an ID, CVE-2024-21347. ODBC provides a standard software API method for multiple platforms to access and manipulate data from a diverse range of database management systems (DBMS). As this vulnerability has the potential to impact a vast number of systems globally, let's dive deep into understanding and exploring the vulnerability, exploitation details, and measures to protect your systems from this threat.

CVE-2024-21347 overview

This critical vulnerability is specifically found within the Microsoft ODBC driver, which allows an attacker to remotely execute arbitrary code through a specially crafted request. Attackers exploiting CVE-2024-21347 can potentially gain unauthorized access to the vulnerable system, leak sensitive data, or disrupt critical services. The severity of this vulnerability is classified as high, and it is essential to understand the code and implement proper safeguards to mitigate potential damages.

Let's consider a simple code snippet illustrating the flaw

#include <stdio.h>
#include <sql.h>
#include <sqlext.h>

int main(void) {
  SQLHENV henv;
  SQLHDBC hdbc;
  SQLHSTMT hstmt;
  SQLRETURN retcode;

  // Allocate environment handle
  SQLAllocHandle(SQL_HANDLE_ENV, SQL_NULL_HANDLE, &henv);

  // Set the ODBC version to 3.x
  SQLSetEnvAttr(henv, SQL_ATTR_ODBC_VERSION, (SQLPOINTER) SQL_OV_ODBC3, );

  // Allocate connection handle
  SQLAllocHandle(SQL_HANDLE_DBC, henv, &hdbc);

  // Connect to data source
  retcode = SQLConnect(hdbc, (SQLTCHAR*) "my_data_source", SQL_NTS,
                                        (SQLTCHAR*) "username", SQL_NTS,
                                        (SQLTCHAR*) "password", SQL_NTS);

  // Vulnerable part: allocates statement handle
  SQLAllocHandle(SQL_HANDLE_STMT, hdbc, &hstmt);

  // ... perform actions on the statement

  // Clean up
  SQLFreeHandle(SQL_HANDLE_STMT, hstmt);
  SQLDisconnect(hdbc);
  SQLFreeHandle(SQL_HANDLE_DBC, hdbc);
  SQLFreeHandle(SQL_HANDLE_ENV, henv);

  return ;
}

In this code snippet, the vulnerability lies in the SQLAllocHandle() function call, which allocates a statement handle. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted request that triggers unwanted behavior.

The full details of CVE-2024-21347 can be found at the following resources

1. National Vulnerability Database
2. Microsoft Security Response Center

Exploit details

To exploit the vulnerability, an attacker needs to craft a malicious SQL query or a malformed connection string. The specially crafted request is then sent to the ODBC driver running on the target system. If the attacker successfully exploits the vulnerability, they can remotely execute arbitrary code and potentially escalate privileges, modify or steal sensitive information, or disrupt critical services of the targeted system.

Protection and mitigation

Microsoft has released security patches and updates to address CVE-2024-21347. These measures should be applied as soon as possible to avoid exploitation. The following steps can further ensure the protection of your systems:

Employ security best practices for statement and database handling.

5. Ensure secure coding practices that avoid vulnerabilities related to resource management and memory corruption.

Conclusion

CVE-2024-21347 is a significant threat to systems utilizing Microsoft ODBC drivers, as it provides a gateway for attackers to execute arbitrary code and compromise the target system. It is essential to understand the exploit details, implement security updates, and follow best practices to prevent exploitation. By taking these proactive steps, you can safeguard your systems and ensure the security of valuable data and services.

Timeline

Published on: 02/13/2024 18:15:50 UTC
Last modified on: 02/13/2024 18:22:58 UTC