CVE-2004-2489 in Informix Dynamic Server
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in IBM Informix Dynamic Server (IDS) before 9.40.xC3 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a modified INFORMIXDIR environment variable that points to a file with format string specifiers in the filename.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2489 represents a critical format string vulnerability within IBM Informix Dynamic Server versions prior to 9.40.xC3. This flaw exists in the handling of environment variables, specifically the INFORMIXDIR variable, which is used to define the root directory for Informix database operations. The vulnerability occurs when the system processes a modified INFORMIXDIR environment variable that points to a file containing format string specifiers in its filename. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-134 which specifically addresses the use of format string specifiers in user-controlled input without proper validation or sanitization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables local attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the user running the Informix server process. When the system attempts to process the maliciously crafted filename containing format specifiers, the improper handling of these strings can lead to memory corruption and potentially allow an attacker to overwrite critical memory locations, including return addresses on the stack. This memory corruption can be leveraged to redirect program execution flow and ultimately execute malicious code. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only local access to exploit, making it more accessible than remote attack vectors and potentially allowing privilege escalation if the Informix service runs with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it can compromise the integrity and confidentiality of database operations. Since Informix is commonly used for enterprise database management, successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized data access, data modification, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects the core database server functionality and could potentially disrupt business operations if exploited. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which involves the use of command and scripting interpreter to execute malicious code, and T1068 which covers the exploitation of local privileges to gain higher system access.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches for IBM Informix Dynamic Server versions prior to 9.40.xC3, which address the improper handling of format string specifiers in environment variables. System administrators should also implement strict environment variable validation and monitoring to prevent unauthorized modifications to critical variables like INFORMIXDIR. Additionally, implementing least privilege principles for database service accounts and regular security assessments of database server configurations can significantly reduce the attack surface. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit local access to database servers, as this vulnerability requires local system access for exploitation. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patched versions to ensure that the vulnerability is properly addressed without introducing regressions in database functionality.