CVE-2008-3855 in DB2 Universal Database
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the DB2 Administration Server (DAS) in the Core DAS function component in IBM DB2 9.1 before Fixpak 5 allows local users to gain privileges, aka a "FILE CREATION VULNERABILITY." NOTE: this may be the same as CVE-2007-5664.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3855 represents a critical privilege escalation issue within IBM DB2 9.1's Database Administration Server component. This flaw exists within the Core DAS function component and specifically affects local users who can exploit it to elevate their system privileges. The vulnerability is categorized as a file creation vulnerability, which means that an attacker with local access can manipulate the system's file creation mechanisms to gain elevated permissions. The issue is particularly concerning because it allows local users to potentially access system resources that should be restricted to authorized administrators only. The vulnerability was present in IBM DB2 9.1 before the release of Fixpak 5, indicating that organizations running this specific version were exposed to this risk for an extended period. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where database administrators often have elevated privileges and where the compromise of such systems can lead to widespread data breaches and system compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper access controls within the DB2 Administration Server's file handling mechanisms. When local users can create files in privileged directories or manipulate system processes that should be restricted, they can potentially inject malicious code or modify system configurations. This file creation capability can be leveraged to escalate privileges by creating or modifying system files that are executed with elevated permissions. The vulnerability likely involves insufficient validation of file creation requests or improper handling of file permissions within the DAS component. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which covers improper file permissions, and CWE-73, which addresses external control of file name or path. The exploitation process typically involves local users creating specially crafted files in system directories that are subsequently processed by the DAS with elevated privileges, leading to privilege escalation. The vulnerability's classification as a local privilege escalation issue means that attackers do not require network access or remote exploitation capabilities, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local access is possible.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-3855 extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. Organizations running IBM DB2 9.1 without Fixpak 5 are at significant risk of unauthorized access to sensitive database information, potential data exfiltration, and system-wide compromise. The vulnerability can be exploited by malicious insiders or attackers who have gained local access through other means, such as phishing attacks or system compromises. Once elevated privileges are obtained, attackers can modify database configurations, access sensitive data, create backdoors, or even manipulate system files to maintain persistent access. The impact is particularly severe in database environments where the DAS component is used for system administration tasks and where local access might be granted to multiple users. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques, specifically using file system permissions and process manipulation to gain elevated privileges. The vulnerability's presence in the Core DAS function component suggests that it could affect database administration operations, potentially disrupting business continuity and data integrity.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying IBM Fixpak 5 or later versions to address this vulnerability. The most effective immediate solution is to upgrade to a patched version of IBM DB2 9.1, as this resolves the underlying file creation privilege issues within the DAS component. System administrators should also conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts or unauthorized access that may have occurred. Additional mitigations include implementing least privilege access controls, monitoring local file creation activities, and reviewing system logs for suspicious file operations. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit local access to database servers and establish robust monitoring for privilege escalation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a local privilege escalation issue means that traditional network-based security controls may not be sufficient to prevent exploitation, requiring additional focus on local system security measures. Security teams should also review their incident response procedures to ensure they can detect and respond to potential exploitation of this vulnerability, as the attack vector involves local file manipulation rather than network-based attacks. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues within the database infrastructure and ensure that all components are running patched versions.