CVE-2006-3854 in Informix Dynamic Database Server
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in IBM Informix Dynamic Server (IDS) 9.40.TC7, 9.40.TC8, 10.00.TC4, and 10.00.TC5, when running on Windows, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long username, which causes an overflow in vsprintf when displaying in the resulting error message. NOTE: this issue is due to an incomplete fix for CVE-2006-3853.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-3854 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within IBM Informix Dynamic Server versions 9.40.TC7, 9.40.TC8, 10.00.TC4, and 10.00.TC5 running on Windows platforms. This flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly handle excessively long username parameters during authentication processes. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the system attempts to display error messages containing the malformed username input, triggering an exploitable buffer overflow condition through the vsprintf function. The root cause of this issue lies in the incomplete remediation of a previous vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3853, indicating that the initial fix failed to address all potential attack vectors within the affected software components.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers submit usernames exceeding the allocated buffer space during connection attempts to the IDS server. When the system processes these malformed inputs and attempts to generate error messages containing the username, the vsprintf function executes without proper bounds checking, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged by attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected service. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of vulnerabilities in software applications. The Windows-specific nature of this vulnerability means that exploitation targets the Windows operating system's memory management mechanisms, particularly the way it handles string formatting operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive database information. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code remotely without requiring authentication, potentially leading to data breaches, system infiltration, and disruption of business operations. The affected versions of IBM Informix Dynamic Server represent a significant security risk for organizations relying on these database systems, particularly in environments where network exposure is high or where the database servers are accessible from untrusted networks. Organizations may face compliance violations and regulatory penalties if sensitive data is compromised through this vulnerability, as it directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of database contents.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate application of vendor patches and updates specifically addressing the buffer overflow conditions in the affected IDS versions. System administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of database servers to untrusted networks, while also monitoring for suspicious authentication attempts that may indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of intrusion detection systems and security monitoring tools can help identify potential exploitation attempts through anomalous connection patterns or unusual authentication behaviors. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected software versions and ensure that complete remediation includes not only patch application but also verification of proper input validation mechanisms throughout the application's authentication and error handling processes. Regular security updates and patch management procedures should be established to prevent similar issues from occurring due to incomplete fixes or oversight in vulnerability remediation efforts.