CVE-2002-1583 in DB2 Universal Database
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in sqllib/security/db2ckpw for IBM DB2 Universal Database 6.0 and 7.0 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long username that is read from a file descriptor argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1583 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the IBM DB2 Universal Database security components, specifically affecting versions 6.0 and 7.0 of the database management system. This vulnerability resides in the sqllib/security/db2ckpw utility which is responsible for password verification and authentication processes within the DB2 environment. The flaw manifests when the utility processes a username argument that is read from a file descriptor, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by local attackers to gain elevated privileges and execute arbitrary code on the target system.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow stems from inadequate input validation within the db2ckpw utility's handling of username data. When a local user provides a username through a file descriptor argument, the application fails to properly bounds-check the input length before copying it into a fixed-size buffer. This classic programming error allows an attacker to overflow the allocated buffer space and overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially including return addresses and control data structures. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the local user level, meaning any user with access to the system can exploit this flaw without requiring network connectivity or remote access privileges. The buffer overflow can be triggered by supplying an excessively long username string that exceeds the allocated buffer capacity, typically measured in bytes.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1583 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially compromise the entire database server infrastructure. Local attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the DB2 service account, which often runs with elevated system permissions. This could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, modification of database contents, or establishment of persistent backdoors within the database environment. The vulnerability also poses significant risks to database integrity and confidentiality, as attackers could manipulate database authentication mechanisms to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the DB2 system. Additionally, the exploitation of this flaw can result in denial of service conditions that disrupt legitimate database operations and compromise business continuity.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant IBM security patches and updates that address the buffer overflow in the db2ckpw utility. System administrators should also consider restricting local access to the DB2 installation directories and implementing proper file descriptor access controls to limit potential exploitation vectors. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can create severe security implications within database management systems. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting local system permissions to gain elevated privileges, and T1078, which covers legitimate credential use for persistence. Security monitoring should focus on unusual file descriptor access patterns and unexpected code execution within the DB2 security components to detect potential exploitation attempts. Long-term remediation strategies should include comprehensive code review processes, implementation of secure coding practices, and regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar buffer overflow conditions within the database infrastructure and related security utilities.