CVE-2010-4056 in solidDB
Summary
by MITRE
solid.exe in IBM solidDB 6.5.0.3 and earlier does not properly perform a recursive call to a certain function upon receiving packet data containing a single integer field, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference and daemon crash) via a TCP session on port 1315.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4056 affects IBM solidDB version 6.5.0.3 and earlier installations, specifically targeting the solid.exe daemon process that handles network communications on port 1315. This issue represents a classic buffer overflow condition that manifests through improper input validation and handling of network packets. The flaw occurs when the daemon receives specially crafted packet data containing a single integer field, triggering an unexpected recursive function call pattern that leads to system instability. The vulnerability operates at the application layer of the network stack, making it accessible to remote attackers who can exploit it without requiring local system access or authentication credentials. The affected IBM solidDB database management system serves as a core component for enterprise data storage and retrieval, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on its services.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate error handling within the recursive function call mechanism used by solid.exe to process incoming network packets. When the daemon encounters a packet containing a single integer field, the processing logic fails to properly validate the input data before initiating recursive calls to internal functions. This failure creates a condition where the recursive function invocation leads to a NULL pointer dereference, causing the daemon process to crash and terminate unexpectedly. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-476, which describes NULL pointer dereference conditions that occur when a null value is dereferenced during program execution. The recursive nature of the function call amplifies the impact, as each recursive invocation consumes additional stack space and increases the likelihood of system instability. The specific implementation flaw appears to be in the packet parsing logic that does not account for edge cases in integer field processing, particularly when the field value triggers unexpected execution paths within the function call stack.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-4056 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the availability of critical enterprise database services. When the solid.exe daemon crashes due to this vulnerability, it results in immediate denial of service for all database clients connected through port 1315, effectively cutting off access to stored data and preventing any database operations from proceeding. Organizations relying on IBM solidDB for mission-critical applications face significant business disruption when this vulnerability is exploited, as database availability directly impacts operational continuity and data access capabilities. The remote exploitability of this vulnerability means that attackers can target systems from outside the network perimeter, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with exposed database services. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which describes network denial of service attacks targeting database services. Additionally, the crash behavior demonstrates characteristics consistent with process termination and service disruption patterns commonly associated with remote code execution vulnerabilities in database systems. The specific port 1315 exposure creates a clear attack surface that can be easily identified and targeted by automated scanning tools.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4056 should prioritize immediate patching of affected IBM solidDB installations to the latest available versions that address this specific recursion and NULL pointer dereference issue. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access control measures to restrict access to port 1315, limiting exposure to only authorized network segments and trusted clients. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous packet patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on integer field values that trigger recursive function calls. The implementation of intrusion detection systems with signature-based detection for this specific vulnerability pattern can provide early warning of potential attacks. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing redundant database services or failover mechanisms to maintain availability during potential exploitation windows. System hardening measures including disabling unnecessary services, implementing strict input validation, and configuring firewall rules to restrict port 1315 access to known good IP addresses should be applied. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar recursion patterns in other database components. The remediation process should also include comprehensive testing of patched systems to ensure that the vulnerability has been fully addressed without introducing new stability issues. Organizations should maintain detailed incident response procedures specifically addressing database daemon crashes and implement automated monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on service availability issues related to the solidDB daemon.