CVE-2006-5663 in Informix Dynamic Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Informix Dynamic Server 10.00, Informix Client Software Development Kit (CSDK) 2.90, and Informix I-Connect 2.90 use insecure permissions for installation scripts, which allows local users to gain privileges by modifying the scripts.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5663 affects IBM Informix Dynamic Server version 10.00 along with related components including the Client Software Development Kit (CSDK) 2.90 and Informix I-Connect 2.90. This issue stems from insecure permissions applied to installation scripts within the software distribution, creating a privilege escalation vector that can be exploited by local attackers. The flaw represents a fundamental misconfiguration in the software installation process that undermines the security posture of systems running these components.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper permission settings assigned to installation scripts during the software deployment process. When installation scripts are created with overly permissive access controls, they become susceptible to modification by unauthorized local users. This misconfiguration allows attackers with basic system access to alter the execution flow of these scripts, potentially enabling them to inject malicious code or modify the installation behavior to elevate their privileges. The vulnerability specifically targets the installation phase where scripts are executed with elevated privileges, creating a window of opportunity for privilege escalation attacks.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations deploying IBM Informix software components, particularly in environments where local user access is not strictly controlled or monitored. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it can potentially allow attackers to modify the software installation itself, leading to persistent backdoors or the installation of malicious components. The local nature of the attack means that any user with access to the system can potentially exploit this weakness, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments or systems with shared access. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-732: Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource, which classifies the improper assignment of permissions to critical system resources as a fundamental security flaw.
The exploitation of this vulnerability can result in severe consequences including unauthorized privilege elevation, potential system compromise, and the ability to modify critical system components. Attackers can leverage this weakness to modify installation scripts that may be executed with administrative privileges, thereby gaining elevated access to the system. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the installation level, meaning that the compromise occurs before the application is fully operational, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, which specifically addresses methods used to gain higher-level privileges through system weaknesses.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including verifying and correcting file permissions on installation scripts, ensuring that only authorized administrators can modify these critical components. System administrators should conduct thorough audits of installed software permissions and implement proper access controls to prevent unauthorized modifications. The recommended approach involves establishing strict file permission policies where installation scripts are set with appropriate restrictive permissions, typically limiting write access to the installing user or system administrators only. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing automated monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized modifications to critical system files and installation scripts, providing early warning capabilities for potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar permission misconfigurations across the entire system infrastructure, as this type of vulnerability often indicates broader security misconfigurations that require comprehensive remediation.