CVE-2011-4890 in solidDB
Summary
by MITRE
The server in IBM solidDB 6.5 before FP9 and 7.0 before FP1 allows remote authenticated users to cause a denial of service (daemon crash) via a SELECT statement with a ROWNUM condition involving a subquery.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4890 represents a critical denial of service flaw within IBM solidDB database management systems. This vulnerability affects versions 6.5 prior to fix pack 9 and 7.0 prior to fix pack 1, exposing organizations to potential service disruption attacks that could compromise database availability. The issue stems from improper handling of specific SQL query structures that involve row number conditions combined with subqueries, creating a scenario where legitimate database operations can trigger system instability.
The technical flaw manifests when a remote authenticated user executes a carefully crafted SELECT statement containing a ROWNUM condition that references a subquery. This particular combination of SQL constructs triggers an internal processing error within the solidDB server daemon, leading to unexpected termination of the database service. The vulnerability operates at the query execution layer where the database engine fails to properly validate or handle the interaction between row number limiting mechanisms and subquery evaluation processes. This type of flaw falls under the category of improper input validation and inadequate error handling as classified by CWE-20, which specifically addresses "Improper Input Validation" and CWE-691, "Insufficient Control Flow Management."
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service interruption, as it can be exploited by malicious actors with valid database credentials to systematically disrupt database operations. Attackers can leverage this weakness to repeatedly crash the database daemon, creating sustained denial of service conditions that may require manual intervention to restore normal operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only authenticated access, meaning that insiders or compromised accounts with legitimate database privileges could exploit this flaw. Organizations relying on solidDB for critical database operations face significant risk of operational disruption, potentially affecting business continuity and data availability for applications dependent on the affected database system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-4890 should prioritize immediate deployment of available fix packs from IBM, specifically version 6.5 FP9 and 7.0 FP1, which contain the necessary code modifications to address the improper query handling. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit database access to only authorized users and applications, reducing the attack surface. Database administrators should monitor for unusual query patterns and implement logging mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing database firewalls or query filtering systems can help prevent the execution of suspicious SELECT statements with complex ROWNUM and subquery combinations. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, "Endpoint Denial of Service," and represents a classic example of how seemingly benign SQL operations can be weaponized for service disruption attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates and maintain comprehensive incident response procedures for handling database service disruptions.