CVE-2003-0837 in DB2 Universal Database
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in IBM DB2 Universal Data Base 7.2 for Windows, before Fixpak 10a, allows attackers with "Connect" privileges to execute arbitrary code via the INVOKE command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/26/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0837 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within IBM DB2 Universal Database version 7.2 for Windows systems. This security weakness specifically affects installations prior to Fixpak 10a, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors who possess minimal database connectivity privileges. The vulnerability manifests through the INVOKE command functionality, which serves as an execution pathway for attackers to leverage their existing "Connect" privileges for more severe system compromise. The flaw resides in how the database engine processes input parameters within the INVOKE command, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to gain unauthorized code execution capabilities.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the database's command processing mechanism. When the INVOKE command receives malformed or excessively long input parameters, the application fails to properly validate the data length before copying it into fixed-size stack buffers. This classic stack buffer overflow condition allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data, potentially enabling them to redirect program execution flow. The vulnerability specifically aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking permits data to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations, making it a direct implementation of the well-known software security flaw pattern.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to database environments where the INVOKE command functionality is enabled and accessible. Attackers with basic database connection privileges can escalate their access to full system compromise, potentially leading to data theft, system infiltration, or service disruption. The attack vector requires minimal privileges, making it particularly dangerous in environments where database access controls may not be properly enforced. Organizations running unpatched IBM DB2 7.2 for Windows systems face significant risk of unauthorized code execution, which could result in complete system compromise and data breaches. The vulnerability's exploitation capability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage for execution, as attackers can leverage the database's command processing capabilities to execute malicious code.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2003-0837 requires immediate implementation of IBM's Fixpak 10a patch, which addresses the buffer overflow condition through proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. System administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit database connectivity to only trusted entities, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. Additional defensive measures include disabling the INVOKE command functionality when not required, implementing database activity monitoring, and conducting regular security assessments of database configurations. Organizations should also establish robust patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all database systems. The vulnerability's classification as a high-severity issue underscores the importance of immediate remediation, as the combination of minimal privilege requirements and significant execution capabilities makes it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking database-based system compromise.