CVE-2014-8910 in DB2
Summary
by MITRE
IBM DB2 9.7 through FP10, 9.8 through FP5, 10.1 before FP5, and 10.5 through FP5 on Linux, UNIX, and Windows allows remote authenticated users to read arbitrary text files via a crafted XML/XSLT function in a SELECT statement.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2022
IBM DB2 database versions 9.7 through FP10, 9.8 through FP5, 10.1 before FP5, and 10.5 through FP5 across Linux, UNIX, and Windows platforms contain a critical vulnerability in their XML processing functionality that enables remote authenticated attackers to perform unauthorized file access operations. This vulnerability resides within the XML/XSLT function implementation within the database engine's query processing layer, specifically when handling SELECT statements that contain crafted XML/XSLT constructs. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and improper access control mechanisms that allow maliciously constructed XML documents to traverse the file system and retrieve arbitrary text files from the underlying operating system. Attackers can exploit this by crafting specific XML/XSLT functions within SQL SELECT statements that leverage the database's XML processing capabilities to access files outside of the intended database boundaries. The vulnerability is classified as a path traversal or directory traversal issue within the XML processing subsystem, which aligns with CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory. This represents a significant security risk as it allows attackers with database authentication credentials to bypass normal file system access controls and potentially extract sensitive information from the database server's file system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an authenticated database user who can execute SELECT statements containing crafted XML/XSLT functions. The attack vector operates through the database's XML processing engine which fails to properly sanitize or validate file paths referenced within XML documents during XSLT transformations. When the database processes these malicious SELECT statements, the XML/XSLT functions can be manipulated to reference arbitrary file paths on the server's file system, enabling the retrieval of text-based files such as configuration files, log files, or other sensitive data. The vulnerability specifically impacts the database's ability to properly isolate XML processing operations from the underlying file system, creating a pathway for unauthorized information disclosure. This weakness is particularly dangerous because it operates at the database engine level where legitimate administrative functions and user queries are processed, making detection more challenging and the potential impact more severe.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially compromise the entire database infrastructure and underlying operating system. Attackers could access sensitive files such as database configuration files, password files, system logs, or other administrative resources that could provide additional attack vectors or intelligence for further exploitation. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of IBM DB2 across different operating systems, making it a widespread concern for organizations using these database versions. The authenticated nature of the attack means that attackers must first obtain valid database credentials, but this is often achievable through various social engineering, credential theft, or other initial compromise techniques. Organizations with unpatched DB2 installations are at significant risk, as this vulnerability can be exploited without requiring special privileges beyond standard database user access. The attack can be executed through standard database client tools, making it accessible to attackers with minimal specialized knowledge of database internals.
Organizations should immediately apply the relevant security patches provided by IBM to address this vulnerability and prevent exploitation. The recommended mitigation strategy includes implementing strict network segmentation to limit database access to authorized users and systems, enforcing strong authentication mechanisms, and monitoring database activities for suspicious XML processing operations. Database administrators should also implement comprehensive logging and monitoring of XML/XSLT function usage within database queries to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additional security measures include restricting database user privileges, implementing database firewalls, and conducting regular security assessments of database configurations. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring tools that can detect unusual patterns in XML processing operations and alert security teams to potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-22 and its potential for privilege escalation through information disclosure makes it a critical concern for enterprise security teams, requiring immediate attention and remediation to prevent potential data breaches or system compromise.