CVE-2008-0727 in Informix Dynamic Server
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in oninit.exe in IBM Informix Dynamic Server (IDS) 7.x through 11.x allow (1) remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long password and (2) remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code via a long DBPATH value.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0727 represents a critical security flaw in IBM Informix Dynamic Server versions 7.x through 11.x affecting the oninit.exe component. This buffer overflow vulnerability exists within the database server initialization process and manifests through two distinct attack vectors that can be exploited by both remote unauthenticated attackers and authenticated users. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the oninit.exe binary, which fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing. According to CWE-121, this vulnerability falls under the category of stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker provides maliciously crafted input through either a lengthy password parameter or an excessively long DBPATH value during the database initialization process. When the oninit.exe component processes these inputs without proper boundary checks, it writes data beyond the allocated buffer space, potentially overwriting critical program variables, return addresses, or other memory segments. This memory corruption can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the database server process, which typically runs with elevated system permissions. The attack vector classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive database information. Database administrators and system operators face significant risk since the vulnerability can be triggered during normal database startup procedures or through legitimate administrative operations. The remote nature of the attack means that unauthorized parties could potentially compromise database servers without requiring physical access or prior system credentials. Organizations running affected IBM Informix versions must consider the potential for data exfiltration, service disruption, and unauthorized database modifications. The vulnerability affects a broad range of IBM Informix server versions, making it particularly concerning for enterprises maintaining legacy database infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0727 should include immediate patching of affected IBM Informix Dynamic Server installations to the latest available security updates from IBM. System administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of database servers to untrusted networks. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious authentication attempts and anomalous database connection patterns can help detect exploitation attempts. The implementation of proper input validation and parameter sanitization within database applications can provide defense-in-depth against similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems and regularly reviewing database server logs for signs of exploitation attempts. According to security best practices and industry standards, this vulnerability requires immediate attention due to its remote exploitability and potential for privilege escalation.