CVE-2012-4826 in DB2
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the SQL/PSM (aka SQL Persistent Stored Module) Stored Procedure (SP) infrastructure in IBM DB2 9.1, 9.5, 9.7 before FP7, 9.8, and 10.1 might allow remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code by debugging a stored procedure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/18/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4826 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within IBM DB2's SQL/PSM (Persistent Stored Module) infrastructure that affects multiple versions including 9.1, 9.5, 9.7 before FP7, 9.8, and 10.1. This flaw exists in the stored procedure debugging functionality and creates a pathway for remote authenticated attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability specifically impacts the SQL/PSM stored procedure infrastructure, which is a core component of IBM DB2's database management system that allows developers to create persistent stored modules with complex logic and procedures. The buffer overflow occurs during the debugging process of stored procedures, making this particularly dangerous as legitimate database administrators and developers who need to debug stored procedures could inadvertently trigger the vulnerability.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the debugging code path of the SQL/PSM infrastructure. When a user attempts to debug a stored procedure, the system allocates memory on the stack to handle debugging operations and procedure parameters. However, insufficient validation exists to ensure that input data does not exceed the allocated buffer space, creating a classic stack-based buffer overflow condition. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is categorized under the Common Weakness Enumeration as a fundamental flaw in memory management where data written to a buffer extends beyond its allocated boundaries. The overflow allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory, potentially corrupting program execution flow and enabling code injection attacks that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the database process.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-4826 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a potential entry point for broader system compromise. Since the vulnerability requires only authenticated access to the database system, it represents a significant risk in environments where database credentials are accessible to multiple users or where privilege escalation opportunities exist. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability could gain elevated privileges and potentially access sensitive data, modify database contents, or establish persistent access to the database infrastructure. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it operates through legitimate database debugging mechanisms that are commonly used by database administrators and developers, making the exploitation less likely to trigger security monitoring systems that might detect more obvious attack patterns. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.002 Command and Scripting Interpreter: Visual Basic, as the exploitation may involve crafting malicious stored procedures that trigger the buffer overflow during debugging operations.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement the available IBM security patches and fixes for DB2 versions 9.1, 9.5, 9.7, 9.8, and 10.1 to address the buffer overflow condition in the SQL/PSM debugging infrastructure. The recommended mitigation strategy includes applying the relevant IBM Fix Pack updates, particularly FP7 for version 9.7, and ensuring that database administrators are trained to avoid debugging stored procedures with untrusted input data. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit database access to only authorized personnel can reduce the attack surface. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual debugging activities or patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on database connections that attempt to debug stored procedures with malformed input parameters. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper memory management in database system components, as highlighted by the CWE-121 classification and the need for robust buffer overflow protection mechanisms in enterprise database applications.