CVE-2007-4276 in DB2 Universal Database
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in IBM DB2 UDB 8 before Fixpak 15 and 9.1 before Fixpak 3 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long DASPROF and possibly other environment variables, which are copied into the buildDasPaths buffer.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4276 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in IBM DB2 Universal Database versions 8 before Fixpak 15 and 9.1 before Fixpak 3. This vulnerability resides in the database management system's handling of environment variables, specifically the DASPROF variable and potentially other environment variables that are processed during the buildDasPaths function execution. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking when copying environment variable values into a fixed-size buffer on the stack, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of a classic stack buffer overflow scenario where attacker-controlled input data exceeds the allocated buffer space in the buildDasPaths function. When IBM DB2 processes the DASPROF environment variable and other related variables, it copies these values into a stack-based buffer without proper validation of input length. This allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent stack memory, potentially corrupting return addresses and control flow information. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through environment variable manipulation, which is often an accessible attack vector for both local and remote attackers. The overflow occurs during the database server initialization or configuration processing phases when these environment variables are parsed and utilized.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-4276 is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with remote code execution capabilities on systems running vulnerable IBM DB2 versions. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, data theft, privilege escalation, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Organizations utilizing affected DB2 versions face significant risk exposure, particularly in enterprise environments where database servers often contain sensitive and critical business data. The vulnerability affects database administrators who may inadvertently expose systems to attack through misconfigured environment variables, while also impacting security teams responsible for maintaining database server integrity. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as attackers may leverage the executed code to establish persistence or escalate privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-4276 primarily involve applying the official IBM security fixpaks, specifically Fixpak 15 for DB2 8 and Fixpak 3 for DB2 9.1, which address the buffer overflow condition through proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. Organizations should also implement environment variable restrictions and monitoring to prevent unauthorized modification of critical database server environment variables. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of database servers to untrusted networks. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate similar issues within database configurations, while maintaining regular patch management processes to ensure timely application of security updates. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation in database server applications and highlights the need for robust security practices in enterprise database environments.