CVE-2003-1051 in DB2 Universal Database
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple format string vulnerabilities in IBM DB2 Universal Database 8.1 may allow local users to execute arbitrary code via certain command line arguments to (1) db2start, (2) db2stop, or (3) db2govd.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1051 represents a critical format string flaw affecting IBM DB2 Universal Database version 8.1. This security weakness manifests in three specific administrative commands that govern the database server's lifecycle operations. The affected executables db2start, db2stop, and db2govd all share a common vulnerability pattern that stems from improper handling of user-supplied input during string formatting operations. These commands are designed to manage database server processes and require elevated privileges to execute, making them attractive targets for exploitation by malicious actors seeking to gain unauthorized access to database systems.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper use of format specifiers within the printf family of functions within the affected IBM DB2 components. When these commands process command line arguments, they fail to properly validate or sanitize input before using it in format string operations. This flaw enables attackers to inject malicious format specifiers that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability specifically affects the way these commands handle command line parameters, allowing attackers to manipulate the execution flow through carefully crafted input sequences that exploit the underlying format string handling mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2003-1051 is significant for organizations running IBM DB2 Universal Database 8.1, as local users with access to these administrative commands can potentially escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code on the target system. The vulnerability exists at the command line interface level, meaning that successful exploitation requires local system access but does not require network connectivity. This makes the attack surface more limited compared to remote vulnerabilities but still poses a serious threat to database server security, particularly in environments where local access is not properly restricted. The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of privilege escalation and code injection.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant IBM security patches and updates released for DB2 Universal Database 8.1. System administrators should also enforce strict access controls to prevent unauthorized local access to the affected commands and consider implementing additional monitoring for suspicious command line usage patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly in database management systems where administrative commands require elevated privileges. This issue relates to CWE-134 which specifically addresses the use of format strings inappropriately, and represents a classic example of how insecure coding practices can lead to critical security vulnerabilities in enterprise database systems. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in their database infrastructure.