CVE-2004-2131 in Informix Extended Parallel Server
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in ontape for IBM Informix Dynamic Server (IDS) 9.40.xC3 and earlier allows local users, with DSA privileges, to execute arbitrary code via a long ONCONFIG environment variable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2131 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the ontape utility of IBM Informix Dynamic Server versions 9.40.xC3 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically targets the handling of the ONCONFIG environment variable, which is a fundamental configuration parameter used by IDS to determine the location of its configuration files. The flaw exists in the way the ontape utility processes environment variables, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors with DSA (Database Server Administrator) privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the ontape utility's string handling routines. When the utility processes the ONCONFIG environment variable, it fails to validate the length of input data before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This classic buffer overflow condition allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations, potentially corrupting the program's execution flow and enabling arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only DSA privileges, which are typically granted to database administrators, making it accessible to users with legitimate administrative access to the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a means to escalate privileges within the database environment. Since the ontape utility is commonly used for backup operations and system maintenance, an attacker could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive database information or compromise the integrity of the entire database system. The exploitation of this vulnerability could result in data theft, system compromise, and potential denial of service conditions that would affect database availability and reliability. Organizations using affected versions of IBM Informix Dynamic Server face significant risk of unauthorized access and system compromise through this pathway.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-2131 should focus on immediate patching of the affected IBM Informix Dynamic Server versions, as IBM released security updates specifically addressing this vulnerability. System administrators should also implement strict access controls to limit DSA privileges to only essential personnel and establish monitoring procedures to detect unusual environment variable usage patterns. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies and runtime protection mechanisms to prevent exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059.001 Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as it enables arbitrary code execution through environment variable manipulation. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patched systems to ensure that the vulnerability has been properly addressed without introducing compatibility issues with existing database operations.