CVE-2005-4867 in DB2
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the SATENCRYPT function in IBM DB2 8.1, when Satellite Administration (SATADMIN) is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long parameter.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/02/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4867 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within IBM DB2 8.1 database management system, specifically affecting systems with Satellite Administration (SATADMIN) functionality enabled. This vulnerability resides in the SATENCRYPT function, which serves as a cryptographic component for satellite administration operations. The flaw manifests when the system processes a specially crafted parameter that exceeds the allocated stack buffer space, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized code execution privileges. The vulnerability's classification as a stack-based buffer overflow aligns with CWE-121, which describes the condition where a program writes data beyond the boundaries of a fixed-length stack buffer, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires a remote attacker to send a malformed parameter to the SATENCRYPT function through network communication channels. When the database processes this oversized parameter, the stack buffer overflow occurs during parameter validation or processing, allowing the attacker to overwrite critical stack memory regions. This memory corruption can be manipulated to redirect program execution flow to malicious code injected by the attacker, effectively enabling remote code execution with the privileges of the database service account. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it does not require authentication to the database system itself, making it accessible through network-based attacks that target the database's exposed interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized data access within the database environment. Organizations running IBM DB2 8.1 with SATADMIN enabled face significant risks including potential data breaches, system availability disruption, and unauthorized access to sensitive database information. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of database operations, as attackers can potentially escalate privileges, modify database contents, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. This represents a high-severity threat that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, where attackers can execute arbitrary commands through the compromised database system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-4867 should prioritize immediate patching of affected IBM DB2 installations with the vendor-provided security updates. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of database systems to untrusted networks, particularly disabling SATADMIN functionality when not required for operational purposes. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual parameter patterns and network traffic to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and buffer management practices in database applications, reinforcing industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines for secure coding practices. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential buffer overflow conditions within their database environments and implement robust application security testing protocols to prevent similar issues in future deployments.