CVE-2012-0709 in DB2
Summary
by MITRE
IBM DB2 9.5 before FP9, 9.7 through FP5, and 9.8 through FP4 does not properly check variables, which allows remote authenticated users to bypass intended restrictions on viewing table data by leveraging the CREATEIN privilege to execute crafted SQL CREATE VARIABLE statements.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2021
IBM DB2 database systems versions 9.5 through fix pack 8, 9.7 through fix pack 4, and 9.8 through fix pack 3 contain a security vulnerability that stems from improper variable validation within the database engine. This flaw exists in the privilege checking mechanisms that govern access to table data, specifically when users possess the CREATEIN privilege. The vulnerability allows authenticated attackers to bypass intended data access restrictions by crafting specialized SQL CREATE VARIABLE statements that exploit the insufficient validation of variable parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the database engine fails to properly validate variables during the execution of CREATE VARIABLE statements. When an authenticated user with CREATEIN privilege executes a crafted SQL statement, the system does not adequately verify the variable declarations against established access controls. This validation failure creates an opportunity for privilege escalation where the attacker can manipulate the variable definitions to access table data that should otherwise be restricted. The flaw represents a classic case of insufficient input validation and privilege enforcement, aligning with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations relying on IBM DB2 for data management. Attackers who successfully exploit this weakness can access sensitive table data without proper authorization, potentially leading to data breaches, information disclosure, and compliance violations. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of the database platform, making it particularly concerning for enterprises with diverse database environments. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to confidential information including customer data, financial records, or proprietary business information, depending on their database content and access controls.
This vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including privilege escalation and data exposure. The attacker leverages existing legitimate privileges to perform actions that should be restricted, demonstrating how insufficient access controls can be exploited to achieve unauthorized data access. The exploitation requires authentication, making it less severe than unauthenticated attacks but still highly problematic given that database administrators often grant CREATEIN privileges to legitimate users for legitimate purposes. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring of CREATE VARIABLE statement executions and privilege usage patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include applying the appropriate IBM fix packs that address the variable validation issue, typically found in DB2 9.5 FP9, 9.7 FP6, and 9.8 FP5 releases. Database administrators should also implement strict monitoring of CREATE VARIABLE statement executions and privilege usage, particularly for users with CREATEIN privileges. Access control policies should be reviewed to ensure that users with CREATEIN privileges are properly justified and monitored. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous SQL execution patterns and potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current database security patches and implementing proper privilege management practices to prevent unauthorized data access through legitimate database operations.