CVE-2008-0368 in Informix Dynamic Server
Summary
by MITRE
onedcu in IBM Informix Dynamic Server (IDS) 10.x before 10.00.xC8 allows local users to create arbitrary files via the Trace file argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/07/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0368 affects IBM Informix Dynamic Server version 10.x prior to 10.00.xC8, specifically within the onedcu component. This represents a significant security flaw that enables local attackers to manipulate file creation operations through the Trace file argument, potentially leading to unauthorized file system modifications and privilege escalation opportunities. The vulnerability resides in the way the system handles trace file parameters, creating an insecure file creation pattern that can be exploited by malicious users with local access to the system.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper validation and handling of user-supplied trace file arguments within the onedcu utility. When local users provide specific input parameters to the Trace file argument, the system fails to properly sanitize or validate these inputs before using them in file creation operations. This vulnerability is classified as a path traversal or file creation flaw that allows attackers to specify arbitrary file paths and create files in locations where they would not normally have write permissions. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and inadequate access controls in the file creation mechanism, creating a direct path for privilege escalation and potential system compromise.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses serious risks to database server security and system integrity. Local users who can execute the onedcu utility can leverage this flaw to create malicious files in critical system directories, potentially leading to persistent backdoors, data corruption, or privilege escalation to higher-privileged accounts. The vulnerability essentially allows attackers to bypass normal file system permissions and create files anywhere on the system where the IDS process has write access. This can result in unauthorized modification of system files, creation of malicious executables, or establishment of persistent access points that could remain undetected for extended periods.
The security implications extend beyond simple file creation, as this vulnerability can be exploited as part of broader attack chains within the system. Attackers can use this capability to place malicious files in system directories, potentially compromising the integrity of the entire database environment. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-73, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in file names, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and script injection. Organizations running affected versions of IBM Informix Dynamic Server are particularly vulnerable, as the flaw exists in the core database server functionality and can be exploited by any local user with access to the system.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of the affected IBM Informix Dynamic Server versions to 10.00.xC8 or later releases that contain the necessary security fixes. System administrators should also implement additional access controls and monitoring for the onedcu utility and related trace file operations. Regular security audits should verify that no unauthorized files have been created in system directories, and network segmentation should be implemented to limit local access to database servers. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms in database server applications, particularly when handling file system operations that could potentially be exploited by local users.