CVE-2010-4070 in Informix Dynamic Server
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in librpc.dll in portmap.exe (aka the ISM Portmapper service) in ISM before 2.20.TC1.117 in IBM Informix Dynamic Server (IDS) 7.x before 7.31.xD11, 9.x before 9.40.xC10, 10.00 before 10.00.xC8, and 11.10 before 11.10.xC2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (heap memory corruption) via a crafted parameter size, aka idsdb00146931, idsdb00146930, idsdb00146929, and idsdb00138308.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-4070 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the librpc.dll component of IBM Informix Dynamic Server's portmap.exe service, commonly known as the ISM Portmapper service. This vulnerability affects multiple versions of IBM Informix Dynamic Server spanning from version 7.x through 11.10, specifically impacting versions prior to the respective security patches released in 2010. The flaw exists in the ISM Portmapper service which is responsible for managing port mapping operations within the Informix database ecosystem, making it a core component of the database's network communication infrastructure.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the librpc.dll library where integer overflow conditions occur when processing crafted parameter sizes. When remote attackers send maliciously constructed parameter values to the portmapper service, the integer overflow leads to heap memory corruption. This memory corruption creates opportunities for attackers to either execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected service or cause a denial of service condition that can crash the database server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the core network communication layer of the database system, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive database information or disrupt critical business operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation as it affects the fundamental stability and security posture of IBM Informix database environments. Organizations running affected versions of IDS are at risk of complete service disruption through denial of service attacks that can crash database servers, while more sophisticated attackers could leverage the heap corruption to execute malicious code and potentially gain full control over database systems. This vulnerability directly impacts database availability and integrity, as the portmapper service is essential for proper database communication and connection handling. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability can be exploited remotely without authentication, making it accessible to any attacker with network access to the target system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4070 should prioritize immediate patching of affected IBM Informix Dynamic Server versions to the latest security releases provided by IBM. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the portmapper service to untrusted networks, as recommended by the CWE-190 standard for integer overflow vulnerabilities. Additionally, monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns and parameter values in database communications can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation and denial of service tactics, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security monitoring and incident response procedures. System administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary network services and implementing proper firewall rules to restrict access to the portmapper service, as outlined in industry best practices for database security hardening.