CVE-2012-2197 in DB2
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the Java Stored Procedure infrastructure in IBM DB2 9.1 before FP12, 9.5 through FP9, 9.7 through FP6, 9.8 through FP5, and 10.1 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code by leveraging certain CONNECT and EXECUTE privileges.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2197 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within IBM DB2's Java Stored Procedure infrastructure. This flaw exists across multiple DB2 versions including 9.1 before FP12, 9.5 through FP9, 9.7 through FP6, 9.8 through FP5, and 10.1, making it a widespread concern for database administrators and security professionals. The vulnerability specifically targets the Java Stored Procedure execution environment, which is a component that allows developers to write database procedures in java and execute them within the database server context. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and bounds checking when processing certain database operations that involve Java stored procedures, creating an exploitable condition where malicious input can overwrite adjacent memory on the stack.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of CONNECT and EXECUTE privileges that are typically granted to authenticated database users. Attackers with these specific privileges can craft malicious input parameters that cause the buffer overflow during the processing of Java stored procedures. The stack-based nature of the vulnerability means that the overflow corrupts the return address and other critical stack data, potentially allowing an attacker to redirect program execution flow to malicious code. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite stack memory. The exploitation requires an authenticated user with appropriate privileges, but once successful, provides a pathway for arbitrary code execution on the database server with the privileges of the database service account.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-2197 is severe and multifaceted, as successful exploitation can lead to complete compromise of the database server and potentially the underlying operating system. Since the vulnerability allows for arbitrary code execution, attackers can escalate privileges, access sensitive database content, modify or delete data, and establish persistent access points within the network. The fact that this vulnerability affects multiple DB2 versions and service packs demonstrates the longevity and persistence of the flaw, requiring extensive patch management efforts across various database environments. Organizations utilizing IBM DB2 in production environments face significant risk exposure, particularly those with less stringent access controls or where database users have unnecessary CONNECT and EXECUTE privileges. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the use of stored procedures for code execution, and T1068, which addresses privilege escalation through exploitation of software vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-2197 should prioritize immediate patch application from IBM, as the vendor has released fixes for affected versions. Organizations should also implement strict access control measures, ensuring that only necessary users possess CONNECT and EXECUTE privileges for Java stored procedures. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit the attack surface by restricting access to database servers. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious database activity and implementing database activity monitoring solutions can help detect exploitation attempts. The principle of least privilege should be strictly enforced, with regular audits of database user permissions to ensure that users have only the minimum required access. Security teams should also consider implementing database firewalls and intrusion detection systems specifically configured to monitor for Java stored procedure execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in database infrastructure and applications.