CVE-2010-2232 in Derby
Summary
by MITRE
In Apache Derby 10.1.2.1, 10.2.2.0, 10.3.1.4, and 10.4.1.3, Export processing may allow an attacker to overwrite an existing file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2232 affects Apache Derby database versions 10.1.2.1, 10.2.2.0, 10.3.1.4, and 10.4.1.3, representing a critical security flaw in the database management system's export processing functionality. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and file handling mechanisms within the Derby database engine, specifically when processing export operations that involve file system interactions. The vulnerability manifests when the database system processes export commands that specify file paths, potentially allowing malicious actors to manipulate the export destination and overwrite existing files on the target system. This flaw directly relates to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal vulnerabilities. The security implications extend beyond simple file overwrites, as attackers could potentially target critical system files, configuration files, or sensitive data repositories within the database server environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the database's export functionality, where users can specify file paths for data export operations. When Derby processes these export commands, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the destination file paths, allowing attackers to craft malicious export statements that target existing files on the file system. This weakness enables attackers to overwrite files with arbitrary content, potentially leading to system instability, data corruption, or privilege escalation scenarios. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited by authenticated users with appropriate database permissions, making it a significant concern for database administrators who must maintain strict access controls. The flaw essentially allows attackers to bypass normal file system access controls and directly manipulate the file system through database operations, creating a direct pathway for persistent attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-2232 extends far beyond immediate data loss scenarios, as it creates persistent security risks that can compromise entire database environments. Organizations running affected Derby versions face potential system compromise through file overwrites that could include critical system executables, configuration files, or database metadata. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1070.004, which covers "File Deletion" and "File Overwrite" activities, and represents a significant vector for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or disrupt services. The vulnerability can be exploited to overwrite backup files, log files, or even system binaries, potentially enabling attackers to maintain access or cause service disruptions. Database administrators must consider the broader implications of this vulnerability, as it could allow attackers to manipulate the database environment in ways that are difficult to detect or trace, particularly when the export functionality is used for legitimate purposes within the organization's normal operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2232 require immediate action from database administrators, including prompt upgrading to patched versions of Apache Derby that address the export processing flaws. Organizations should implement strict access controls and privilege management to limit who can execute export operations within the database, reducing the attack surface for this vulnerability. The implementation of proper input validation and file path sanitization measures within database applications can help prevent malicious export operations from being processed. Additionally, monitoring and logging of database export operations should be enhanced to detect suspicious file overwrites or unauthorized file system modifications. Security teams should also consider network segmentation and database firewalls to limit access to database servers, preventing unauthorized users from executing potentially malicious export commands. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper secure coding practices and input validation in database systems, particularly when handling file system operations, and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of database management systems to identify similar path traversal vulnerabilities in other software components.