CVE-2004-2319 in Informix Extended Parallel Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Informix Dynamic Server (IDS) before 9.40.xC3 allows local users to (1) create or overwrite files via the /001 log file to onedcu or (2) read arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a file in /tmp to onshowaudit.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-2319 represents a critical security flaw in IBM Informix Dynamic Server versions prior to 9.40.xC3 that exposes the system to local privilege escalation and information disclosure attacks. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of temporary files and log file creation processes within the IDS application, creating exploitable conditions that can be leveraged by local attackers to gain unauthorized access to system resources and potentially escalate privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through two distinct attack vectors that exploit weak file handling mechanisms in the IDS software. The first vector involves the creation or overwriting of files through the /001 log file mechanism to the onedcu utility, which allows local users to manipulate critical system files by exploiting the predictable naming and location of log files. The second vector utilizes a symbolic link attack against files located in the /tmp directory to the onshowaudit utility, enabling attackers to read arbitrary files on the system by manipulating the symlink target to point to sensitive files rather than the intended temporary files. Both attack vectors leverage the fundamental principle of insecure temporary file creation and improper file access controls that have been classified as common software weaknesses in the CWE database.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations running affected versions of IBM Informix Dynamic Server. Local attackers who can execute code on the system can potentially gain elevated privileges and access sensitive data that should be protected from unauthorized reading. The attack vectors are particularly dangerous because they can be executed by any local user with basic system access, making them exploitable in environments where multiple users share the same system. The potential for privilege escalation through these mechanisms means that attackers could gain administrative access to the database server, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data exfiltration. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and can undermine the security posture of database environments that rely on IDS for critical data storage and processing.
The exploitation of these vulnerabilities aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and credential access. The use of symbolic link attacks and temporary file manipulation represents common techniques for bypassing file access controls and gaining unauthorized access to system resources. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to IBM Informix Dynamic Server 9.40.xC3 or later versions, which contain patches addressing these specific file handling issues. Additionally, system administrators should review and tighten file permissions on critical directories, implement proper file access controls, and monitor for suspicious file creation patterns in system logs. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices such as those outlined in the CWE guidelines for preventing insecure temporary file creation and ensuring proper file access validation. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other database systems and applications within the organization's infrastructure.