CVE-2003-1050 in DB2 Universal Database
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in IBM DB2 Universal Database 8.1 may allow local users to execute arbitrary code via long command line arguments to (1) db2start, (2) db2stop, or (3) db2govd.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1050 represents a critical buffer overflow issue affecting IBM DB2 Universal Database version 8.1. This security flaw manifests in three specific executables that are fundamental to database administration and operations. The affected programs include db2start which initiates database server processes, db2stop which terminates database server operations, and db2govd which manages database governor operations. These executables serve as critical control points for database administration and are frequently executed with elevated privileges during system maintenance and operational procedures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the command line argument processing mechanisms of these three binaries. When local users provide excessively long command line arguments to any of these executables, the programs fail to properly bounds-check the input data before copying it into fixed-size memory buffers. This classic buffer overflow condition occurs because the software does not validate the length of incoming arguments against the allocated buffer capacity, allowing maliciously crafted input to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw specifically relates to CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient boundary checking permits memory to be overwritten, and CWE-787, which addresses out-of-bounds writes that can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Local users who exploit this weakness can gain arbitrary code execution privileges on systems running IBM DB2 8.1, potentially escalating their access to the full system level. Since these executables are typically run with administrative privileges during database management operations, successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, modify database contents, steal sensitive information, or disrupt database services. The local nature of the attack means that any user with access to the system and the ability to execute these commands could potentially exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments.
From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which involves executing malicious code through command-line interfaces. The attack vector specifically targets privilege escalation and code execution through legitimate administrative tools, making detection more challenging. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to address this vulnerability, as IBM released security updates specifically designed to fix the buffer overflow conditions in these executables. Additionally, system administrators should conduct regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar issues in legacy database systems, particularly focusing on input validation controls and privilege separation mechanisms. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of robust input validation in system administration tools and highlights the need for regular security auditing of database management systems to prevent exploitation of similar buffer overflow conditions.