CVE-2007-4275 in DB2 Universal Database
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple untrusted search path vulnerabilities in IBM DB2 UDB 8 before Fixpak 15 and 9.1 before Fixpak 3 allow local users to gain privileges via certain vectors related to (1) DB2 instance or FMP startup on Linux and Solaris; (2) exec of executables while running as root on non-Windows systems, as demonstrated by AIX; and unspecified vectors involving (3) db2licm and (4) db2pd.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-4275 represents a critical privilege escalation issue affecting IBM DB2 Universal Database versions 8.0 before Fixpak 15 and 9.1 before Fixpak 3 across multiple operating systems including Linux, Solaris, and AIX. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of search paths during critical DB2 operations, creating opportunities for local attackers to execute malicious code with elevated privileges. The flaw specifically impacts the database instance startup process and executable execution contexts where DB2 operates with root privileges, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where database administrators often run DB2 services with elevated system permissions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves multiple attack vectors that exploit the way DB2 handles library and executable search paths during system startup and runtime operations. During DB2 instance or FMP startup on Unix-based systems, the software does not properly validate or sanitize the search path environment variables, allowing an attacker to place malicious libraries or executables in directories that are searched before the legitimate system paths. This behavior aligns with CWE-426, which describes the insecure use of system calls and command execution vulnerabilities where programs execute commands without proper validation of the command or its arguments. The vulnerability manifests when DB2 executes binaries while running as root, creating a direct path for privilege escalation attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential complete system compromise when DB2 instances are configured to run with root privileges. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code with the highest system privileges, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system modification, or complete system takeover. The vulnerability affects multiple DB2 management tools including db2licm and db2pd utilities, which are commonly used for license management and database diagnostic operations. These tools, when executed with elevated privileges, become attack vectors for privilege escalation, making the impact more widespread across the database administration environment. The attack surface is particularly broad given that DB2 installations often require root access for proper operation, and the vulnerability can be exploited through various legitimate DB2 startup and maintenance procedures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of IBM's Fixpak updates, which address the specific search path handling issues in the affected DB2 versions. Organizations should also implement strict file system permissions and privilege separation where possible, ensuring that DB2 instances do not run with unnecessary root privileges. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by configuring DB2 to operate with minimal required permissions, and system administrators should conduct thorough security audits of DB2 installation directories to identify and remove any unauthorized modifications. Additionally, implementing proper monitoring and logging of DB2 startup processes and executable invocations can help detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in system-level software and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through the exploitation of system vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for comprehensive vulnerability management programs that address both known and emerging threats in database systems.