CVE-2010-4053 in Informix Dynamic Server
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in an unspecified logging function in oninit.exe in IBM Informix Dynamic Server (IDS) 11.10 before 11.10.xC2W2 and 11.50 before 11.50.xC1 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code via a crafted EXPLAIN directive, aka idsdb00154125 and idsdb00154243.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/01/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4053 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within IBM Informix Dynamic Server version 11.10 prior to 11.10.xC2W2 and version 11.50 prior to 11.50.xC1. This issue specifically affects the oninit.exe component which serves as the initialization program for the database server. The vulnerability manifests in an unspecified logging function that processes database commands, creating a condition where malicious input can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The flaw is particularly concerning as it allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code, significantly elevating the potential impact of exploitation. The vulnerability was tracked under IBM database identifiers idsdb00154125 and idsdb00154243, indicating its classification within IBM's internal vulnerability tracking system.
The technical mechanism of this vulnerability involves a classic stack buffer overflow scenario where insufficient input validation occurs within the logging function of oninit.exe. When processing a crafted EXPLAIN directive, the system fails to properly bounds-check user-supplied input before copying it into a fixed-size buffer on the stack. This oversight enables an attacker to overflow the buffer and overwrite return addresses, saved registers, and other critical stack data. The EXPLAIN directive is commonly used for query optimization analysis, making this attack vector particularly insidious as legitimate database operations could be leveraged to deliver the malicious payload. The vulnerability's classification as CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow indicates the fundamental flaw lies in improper handling of stack memory allocation and bounds checking.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to database server integrity and system security. Remote authenticated users who can submit database commands can potentially gain complete control over the affected IBM Informix server, leading to data theft, system compromise, or service disruption. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution as attackers could use this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, or launch further attacks against the broader network infrastructure. Database administrators face significant challenges in mitigating this risk since the vulnerability operates within legitimate database functionality, making malicious activity difficult to distinguish from normal operations. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access or local network presence, significantly expanding the potential attack surface.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.002 Command and Scripting Interpreter: Visual Basic, as attackers could leverage the database's command processing capabilities to execute malicious code. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant IBM security patches and updates that address the buffer overflow in oninit.exe. Network segmentation and access controls should be enhanced to limit database access to only authorized users and systems. Monitoring for unusual EXPLAIN directive usage patterns and implementing database audit trails can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular vulnerability assessments and security testing should be conducted to identify similar issues within database server components. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and proper bounds checking in database server applications, particularly those handling user-supplied commands and queries.