CVE-2007-4273 in DB2 Universal Database
Summary
by MITRE
IBM DB2 UDB 8 before Fixpak 15 and 9.1 before Fixpak 3 allows local users to create arbitrary directories and execute arbitrary code via a "crafted localized message file" that enables a format string attack, possibly involving the (1) OSSEMEMDBG or (2) TRC_LOG_FILE environment variable in db2licd (db2licm).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2019
This vulnerability exists in IBM DB2 Universal Database versions 8.0 before Fixpak 15 and 9.1 before Fixpak 3, representing a critical format string vulnerability that enables local privilege escalation through maliciously crafted localized message files. The flaw specifically affects the db2licd utility which processes license management operations, making it a significant concern for database administrators and system security professionals. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation in the message handling mechanisms of the database licensing component, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate the application's behavior through carefully constructed format specifiers in localized message files.
The technical exploitation involves leveraging format string vulnerabilities in two specific environment variables: OSSEMEMDBG and TRC_LOG_FILE within the db2licm utility. These environment variables control memory debugging output and trace logging respectively, and when improperly handled during message processing, they allow attackers to inject format specifiers that can trigger arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the local user level, meaning that any user with access to the system can potentially exploit it to execute code with elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-134, which specifically addresses format string vulnerabilities where format strings are constructed from user-supplied data without proper validation or sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise when local users exploit it. Attackers can leverage the format string vulnerability to manipulate memory contents, potentially leading to privilege escalation from standard user to root or database administrator level access. The vulnerability affects the core licensing functionality of IBM DB2, making it particularly attractive to attackers who seek to gain persistent access to database systems. The attack vector involves placing maliciously crafted message files in locations where db2licd can process them, exploiting the lack of proper input sanitization in the message handling code. This vulnerability represents a classic case of insufficient input validation that enables attackers to manipulate the application's execution flow through carefully crafted environmental variables.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate application of IBM's Fixpak updates, specifically Fixpak 15 for DB2 8.0 and Fixpak 3 for DB2 9.1, which address the format string handling issues in the db2licd utility. System administrators should also implement strict file access controls and monitoring for the db2licd utility and its associated environment variables, particularly OSSEMEMDBG and TRC_LOG_FILE. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any potentially compromised systems and implement proper input validation controls in all applications that handle user-supplied data. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization and environment variable handling in security-critical applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. Regular security monitoring and patch management procedures should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in other components of the database system.