CVE-2003-0758 in DB2 Universal Database
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in db2dart in IBM DB2 Universal Data Base 7.2 before Fixpak 10 allows local users to gain root privileges via a long command line argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0758 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the db2dart utility of IBM DB2 Universal Database version 7.2 prior to Fixpak 10. This issue resides in the command line argument processing mechanism where the application fails to properly validate input length before copying arguments into fixed-size buffers. The flaw specifically affects the db2dart utility which is used for database administration tasks and diagnostic operations within the DB2 environment. The vulnerability presents a significant security risk as it allows local attackers with standard user privileges to execute arbitrary code with elevated root privileges, effectively bypassing the standard security model of the database system.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow stems from improper bounds checking during command line argument handling within the db2dart utility. When a local user provides a command line argument exceeding the allocated buffer size, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially overwriting critical program control structures including return addresses and stack pointers. This memory corruption allows an attacker to manipulate the program execution flow and ultimately execute malicious code with the privileges of the root user who typically runs the db2dart utility. The vulnerability manifests as a classic stack-based buffer overflow scenario that aligns with CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows for memory corruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of systems running affected DB2 versions. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain complete administrative control over database servers, potentially leading to data theft, modification of critical database structures, or complete system compromise. The local nature of the attack means that any user with access to the system can exploit this vulnerability without requiring network connectivity or specialized tools. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where standard user accounts may exist on database servers. The attack vector is straightforward as it requires only command line manipulation to trigger the overflow condition, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement the available IBM Fixpak 10 patch to resolve the buffer overflow issue. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any systems running unpatched versions of DB2 Universal Database 7.2. The mitigation strategy should include monitoring for unauthorized access attempts and implementing least privilege principles for database administration accounts. Security teams should also consider network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of database servers to unnecessary user access. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and proper input validation in database management systems. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and can be leveraged for initial access and persistence within database environments. The vulnerability also highlights the need for secure coding practices in database administration tools and the importance of adhering to security standards such as those defined in the CWE dictionary for preventing buffer overflow conditions.