CVE-2007-1087 in DB2 Universal Database
Summary
by MITRE
IBM DB2 8.x before 8.1 FixPak 15 and 9.1 before Fix Pack 2 does not properly terminate certain input strings, which allows local users to execute arbitrary code via unspecified environment variables that trigger a heap-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2019
IBM DB2 database management systems version 8.x before 8.1 FixPak 15 and 9.1 before Fix Pack 2 contain a critical heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability that stems from improper handling of input strings during environment variable processing. This vulnerability resides in the database engine's string termination mechanisms and affects the core database server functionality. The flaw occurs when the system processes certain environment variables that contain untrusted input data, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by local attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the database service account. The vulnerability is classified as a heap-based buffer overflow under CWE-121, which represents a fundamental memory safety issue where insufficient bounds checking allows data to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as local users can leverage the overflow to gain elevated system privileges. The improper string termination behavior creates a predictable memory layout where attacker-controlled data can overwrite critical program structures, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where database servers often run with elevated privileges and contain sensitive organizational data. Attackers typically exploit such buffer overflows by carefully crafting environment variable values that, when processed by the vulnerable DB2 components, cause the heap memory to be overwritten in a controlled manner. The lack of proper input validation and bounds checking in the string handling routines means that any environment variable containing certain character sequences or lengths can trigger the overflow condition. This vulnerability affects database administrators who may inadvertently introduce malicious environment variables or where attackers have gained access to a local account with sufficient privileges to manipulate the database environment. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential data exfiltration, system persistence mechanisms, and denial of service conditions that can disrupt critical business operations. Organizations running affected DB2 versions should immediately apply the vendor-provided fix packs to mitigate this vulnerability, as the window for exploitation remains open for systems that have not received the security updates. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management practices and input validation in database server implementations, where even seemingly benign environment variable processing can create critical security weaknesses that expose entire systems to remote exploitation.