CVE-2017-1297 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 stack-based buffer overflow, caused by improper bounds checking which could allow a local attacker to execute arbitrary code. IBM X-Force ID: 125159.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/03/2025
IBM DB2 database management system versions 9.2, 10.1, 10.5, and 11.1 contain a critical stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability that stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically affects the DB2 Connect Server component and represents a fundamental flaw in the software's memory management architecture where insufficient boundary checks allow malicious input to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The flaw manifests when the application processes certain input parameters without proper validation, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by local attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the DB2 service account. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a high-severity weakness in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: Unix Shell where adversaries can gain system-level access through code execution exploits. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive database information, enabling data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and system compromise. Local attackers who can submit malicious input to the DB2 Connect Server are able to manipulate the program's execution flow by overwriting return addresses and function pointers stored on the stack, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects all supported platforms including Linux, UNIX, and Windows environments, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise deployments where DB2 is widely used for critical business applications. Organizations running these affected versions face significant risk as the buffer overflow can be triggered through legitimate database connection processes, making detection difficult and exploitation relatively straightforward for determined attackers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to have local access to the system and the ability to submit crafted input to the DB2 Connect Server component. Attackers can construct malicious input sequences that exceed the allocated buffer space, causing the overflow to overwrite critical stack memory locations including saved return addresses, which then redirect program execution to attacker-controlled code. This type of exploitation aligns with ATT&CK tactic T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation and T1046 Network Service Scanning where attackers might first establish a foothold before escalating privileges through database access. The vulnerability's presence in multiple DB2 versions indicates a systemic issue in the codebase that was not properly addressed across different release cycles, suggesting that the underlying memory management functions were consistently flawed. The stack-based nature of the overflow means that the attack surface is relatively small and predictable, as attackers need to understand the exact memory layout and stack frame structure to successfully exploit the vulnerability. IBM has addressed this issue through security patches and updates, but organizations must ensure timely deployment of these fixes to prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation and proper bounds checking in database server applications, as similar issues have been identified in numerous other database management systems over the years. Security professionals should consider implementing additional monitoring for unusual database connection patterns and input processing activities as part of their defensive strategy against this class of vulnerability. The incident underscores the critical need for regular security assessments of database infrastructure and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can have significant security implications for enterprise environments. Organizations should also review their database access controls and privilege management policies to minimize the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability could potentially allow attackers to access sensitive business data stored within the database systems.