CVE-2017-1105 in DB2
Summary
by MITRE
IBM DB2 for Linux, UNIX and Windows 9.2, 10.1, 10.5, and 11.1 (includes DB2 Connect Server) is vulnerable to a buffer overflow that could allow a local user to overwrite DB2 files or cause a denial of service. IBM X-Force ID: 120668.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1105 affects IBM DB2 database management systems across multiple versions including 9.2, 10.1, 10.5, and 11.1 on Linux, UNIX, and Windows platforms. This buffer overflow vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that can be exploited by local attackers to gain unauthorized access to database systems. The issue specifically impacts DB2 Connect Server implementations, which are commonly used for database connectivity and communication between different database systems. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the database server's memory management processes, creating potential attack vectors that could compromise system integrity.
The technical flaw manifests as a buffer overflow condition that occurs when the DB2 server processes certain input data structures without proper bounds checking. This allows malicious input to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical database files or disrupting normal system operations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only local access to exploit, meaning that any user with access to the database server environment can potentially leverage this flaw. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read scenarios. The attack surface is further expanded through the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques, where local users can leverage such vulnerabilities to gain elevated system privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass potential data corruption and unauthorized access to sensitive database information. When exploited successfully, the buffer overflow can cause the database server to crash or behave unpredictably, leading to service interruptions that may affect business operations. More critically, the vulnerability could enable attackers to overwrite critical system files or database structures, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Organizations running affected DB2 versions face significant risk exposure, particularly in environments where local system access is not strictly controlled or where multiple users have access to database server resources. The vulnerability's presence in DB2 Connect Server implementations increases the risk for organizations that rely on database connectivity services, as these components often serve as critical communication pathways between different database systems.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the relevant IBM security patches and updates that address this buffer overflow vulnerability. System administrators should also conduct thorough access controls reviews to limit local system access to database servers and implement monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary database server components, implementing network segmentation to isolate database systems, and establishing robust incident response procedures. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current security patches and following secure coding practices in database management systems. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring tools that can detect anomalous behavior patterns consistent with buffer overflow exploitation attempts, providing early warning capabilities for potential attacks against vulnerable DB2 installations.