CVE-2010-3733 in DB2
Summary
by MITRE
The Engine Utilities component in IBM DB2 UDB 9.5 before FP6a uses world-writable permissions for the sqllib/cfg/db2sprf file, which might allow local users to gain privileges by modifying this file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/26/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-3733 represents a critical privilege escalation risk within IBM DB2 Universal Database version 9.5 prior to fix pack 6a. This issue resides within the Engine Utilities component and specifically concerns the improper file permissions assigned to the sqllib/cfg/db2sprf file. The file's world-writable permissions create a significant security weakness that can be exploited by local attackers to elevate their privileges within the database environment. The vulnerability stems from inadequate access control mechanisms that fail to properly restrict write permissions to only authorized system processes or administrators.
The technical flaw manifests through the use of overly permissive file permissions that allow any local user to modify the db2sprf configuration file. This file typically contains critical system parameters and configuration settings that govern database operations. When local users can write to this file, they gain the ability to manipulate database behavior, potentially injecting malicious configuration values that could lead to unauthorized access, data manipulation, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-732, which addresses inadequate permissions for critical resources, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through system configuration manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential data integrity compromise and system availability issues. Local attackers who exploit this weakness can modify database configuration parameters to disable security features, redirect database connections, or alter system behavior in ways that could facilitate further attacks or data exfiltration. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in multi-user environments where multiple local accounts exist, as it provides a consistent method for any user to gain elevated privileges. Database administrators face significant operational risk since this vulnerability can remain undetected for extended periods while providing persistent access to compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3733 should prioritize immediate implementation of proper file permissions through the enforcement of restrictive access controls for the sqllib/cfg/db2sprf file. System administrators must ensure that only authorized DB2 processes and privileged users maintain write access to this critical configuration file. The recommended approach includes setting appropriate unix permissions to restrict write access to the root user or designated DB2 administration accounts. Additionally, implementing regular security audits and access control reviews can help identify and remediate similar permission issues across the database environment. Organizations should also consider applying the official IBM fix pack 6a or subsequent security updates that address this specific vulnerability. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that permission changes do not negatively impact legitimate database operations while effectively blocking unauthorized modifications to critical configuration files.