CVE-2017-1150 in DB2
Summary
by MITRE
IBM DB2 for Linux, UNIX and Windows (includes DB2 Connect Server) 10.1, 10.5, and 11.1 could allow an authenticated attacker with specialized access to tables that they should not be permitted to view. IBM Reference #: 1999515.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2020
IBM DB2 database systems version 10.1, 10.5, and 11.1 contain a privilege escalation vulnerability that allows authenticated users to access tables they should not be authorized to view. This flaw represents a significant security weakness in the database access control mechanisms, potentially enabling data exfiltration and unauthorized information disclosure. The vulnerability specifically affects systems where users possess specialized access permissions that should be restricted to prevent unauthorized data retrieval. The issue stems from insufficient validation of access controls during table access operations, allowing malicious actors with legitimate database connections to bypass normal security boundaries. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control issues in software systems. The security implications are particularly concerning given that DB2 is widely deployed in enterprise environments where sensitive data resides. Attackers could exploit this weakness to gain access to confidential information that should be restricted to specific user roles or groups, potentially leading to data breaches and compliance violations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at the database access control layer where the system fails to properly validate user permissions when accessing table structures. The flaw manifests when authenticated users attempt to access database objects through specialized access paths that should be restricted based on their assigned privileges. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation. The vulnerability does not require complex exploitation methods, as it leverages existing authenticated sessions to bypass normal access controls. The affected versions of DB2 include all three major release series, indicating this is a persistent flaw that has not been adequately addressed in the software lifecycle. The nature of the vulnerability suggests that it may be related to how the database engine handles access control lists or permission checking routines during query execution. This weakness essentially allows unauthorized data access through legitimate database connections, making it particularly dangerous in environments where database administrators have broad access rights.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data access violations and can result in significant business disruption and regulatory compliance issues. Organizations using affected DB2 versions face potential exposure of sensitive corporate data, customer information, and proprietary business intelligence. The vulnerability's existence creates a persistent risk that can be exploited by both internal and external threat actors who have gained legitimate database access. Financial institutions, healthcare organizations, and government agencies that rely on DB2 for critical data storage are particularly vulnerable to this type of information disclosure. The risk is compounded by the fact that the vulnerability does not require elevated privileges to exploit, as it operates within the normal authentication flow. This makes it difficult to detect and monitor for malicious activity, as legitimate users can perform unauthorized data access without triggering typical security alerts. The potential for long-term data exposure exists since the vulnerability allows persistent unauthorized access to restricted database objects.
Organizations should immediately implement the vendor-provided security patches and updates to address this vulnerability. The IBM security advisory recommends upgrading to patched versions of DB2 that contain proper access control validation mechanisms. System administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of database access controls and permissions to identify any potential unauthorized access patterns that may have occurred. Regular monitoring of database access logs for unusual query patterns or unauthorized table access attempts should be implemented as part of the security posture. Network segmentation and database firewalls should be deployed to limit access to database systems and reduce the attack surface. Additional mitigations include implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous access patterns and establishing strict access control policies that follow the principle of least privilege. Organizations should also consider implementing database encryption for sensitive data at rest to provide additional protection layers. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining current security patches and conducting regular security assessments of database environments to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.