CVE-2008-6820 in DB2
Summary
by MITRE
The db2fmp process in IBM DB2 8 before FP17, 9.1 before FP5, and 9.5 before FP2 on Windows runs with "OS privilege," which has unknown impact and attack vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2008-3856.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6820 represents a critical privilege escalation issue within IBM DB2 database management systems across multiple versions. This flaw specifically affects the db2fmp process which operates with operating system privileges on Windows platforms, creating a significant security risk that differs from other related vulnerabilities such as CVE-2008-3856. The db2fmp process serves as a critical component in IBM DB2's functionality, handling various database management tasks that require elevated system permissions. When this process executes with OS privilege level access, it creates an attack surface that could potentially allow malicious actors to leverage database system access for broader system compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the db2fmp process running with elevated privileges beyond what is typically required for its operational functions. This over-privileged execution model means that any security compromise of the database system could potentially be leveraged to gain system-level access. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper privileges, and represents a classic case of privilege escalation where database-level access translates to operating system-level control. The unknown impact and attack vectors mentioned in the description indicate that the exact methods of exploitation were not fully documented at the time of reporting, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as defenders cannot fully anticipate all possible exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple database security concerns to encompass broader enterprise system integrity. Organizations running affected IBM DB2 versions face potential unauthorized access to sensitive data, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers could exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges, potentially leading to complete system takeover. The vulnerability affects multiple DB2 versions including 8.0 before fix pack 17, 9.1 before fix pack 5, and 9.5 before fix pack 2, indicating a widespread issue across IBM's database product line. This affects enterprise environments where database security is paramount, particularly in sectors handling sensitive information such as financial services, healthcare, and government operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6820 primarily focus on applying the appropriate IBM fix packs that address the privilege escalation issue in the db2fmp process. Organizations should immediately implement the recommended security updates from IBM, specifically upgrading to DB2 versions that include fix packs 17 for 8.0, 5 for 9.1, and 2 for 9.5. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can help limit potential exploitation paths, while monitoring for unusual database process activity may help detect attempted exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of privilege minimization principles and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," highlighting how database vulnerabilities can serve as initial access vectors for broader system compromise. System administrators should also conduct thorough security assessments to ensure that no other database processes are running with unnecessary elevated privileges, as this vulnerability represents a broader class of privilege escalation issues that can affect database system security posture.