CVE-2007-5664 in DB2 Universal Database
Summary
by MITRE
db2dasrrm in the DB2 Administration Server (DAS) in IBM DB2 Universal Database 9.5 before Fix Pack 1, 9.1 before Fix Pack 4a, and 8 before FixPak 16 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on files used for initialization.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5664 affects the DB2 Administration Server component within IBM DB2 Universal Database across multiple versions including 9.5 before Fix Pack 1, 9.1 before Fix Pack 4a, and 8 before FixPak 16. This flaw exists in the db2dasrrm utility which is responsible for managing database administration server operations and handles initialization processes that create temporary files during startup procedures. The core issue stems from insufficient validation of file paths during the initialization sequence, creating a predictable race condition that enables local attackers to exploit symbolic link attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic symlink attack pattern where an attacker creates malicious symbolic links in directories where the db2dasrrm utility expects to find specific configuration or initialization files. During the DAS startup process, the utility performs file operations without proper validation of the symbolic link status of target files, allowing attackers to manipulate the system by pre-creating symbolic links that point to arbitrary system files. This creates a privilege escalation scenario where local users can overwrite critical system files with malicious content, potentially compromising the entire database administration environment. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-367, specifically addressing Time-of-Check to Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) flaws, where the system checks file permissions at one point and then operates on the file at a later point without revalidating the file's integrity or ownership.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant security risk to organizations running affected DB2 versions as it allows local privilege escalation without requiring elevated credentials. Attackers exploiting this weakness can overwrite critical files in the system, potentially leading to data corruption, unauthorized access to database administrative functions, or even complete system compromise. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges and can be executed by any local user who has access to the system where DB2 is installed. The vulnerability affects the database administration server's ability to maintain secure initialization processes, potentially exposing sensitive database configuration data and administrative credentials that could be leveraged for further attacks.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the appropriate IBM Fix Packs and maintaining strict file system permissions for DB2 administration directories. The recommended approach involves ensuring that all temporary and initialization files are created with proper ownership and permissions, and that symbolic link validation is enforced during file creation operations. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect suspicious file creation patterns and symbolic link modifications in DB2-related directories. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and can be classified under T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, with potential for lateral movement through compromised database administrative functions. Organizations should also review their access control policies to ensure that only authorized personnel have local access to DB2 administration servers, and implement regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar TOCTOU vulnerabilities in other system components.