CVE-2017-1438 in DB2
Summary
by MITRE
IBM DB2 for Linux, UNIX and Windows 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, and 11.1 (includes DB2 Connect Server) could allow a local user with DB2 instance owner privileges to obtain root access. IBM X-Force ID: 128057.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2021
This vulnerability resides within IBM DB2 database management systems across multiple versions including 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, and 11.1, with affected components extending to DB2 Connect Server deployments on Linux, UNIX, and Windows platforms. The flaw represents a privilege escalation vulnerability that allows local users who possess DB2 instance owner privileges to escalate their access to root level system permissions. This represents a critical security weakness that directly violates the principle of least privilege and could enable attackers to gain complete system control. The vulnerability specifically targets the authentication and authorization mechanisms within the DB2 instance management framework, creating an avenue for unauthorized elevation of privileges that bypasses normal system security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper privilege handling within the DB2 instance owner context. When a local user operates with DB2 instance owner privileges, the system fails to properly validate or restrict the escalation pathways available to that user. This flaw typically manifests through improper access control checks during system call execution or through insecure privilege delegation mechanisms. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper privileges, and may also relate to CWE-782, concerning exposed service that allows privilege escalation. Attackers can exploit this by leveraging their existing DB2 instance owner access to manipulate system processes or execute commands that would normally require root privileges, effectively undermining the entire security model of the database system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of systems running affected DB2 versions. A successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with root privileges, access all system files and databases, modify system configurations, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where DB2 instances are commonly deployed for critical business applications, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to gain comprehensive system control. The impact is exacerbated by the fact that DB2 instance owners are often granted elevated privileges as part of normal database administration tasks, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where administrative access is not strictly controlled. Organizations may face significant compliance violations and potential data breaches if this vulnerability is exploited, as it provides direct access to the underlying operating system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch application from IBM, which would address the privilege escalation mechanism within the DB2 instance management. Organizations should also implement strict access controls limiting DB2 instance owner privileges to only those users who require such access for legitimate administrative purposes. Network segmentation and monitoring of DB2 instance activities can help detect suspicious privilege escalation attempts. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through local exploitation, and emphasizes the need for proper access control measures. Additional defensive measures include regular security assessments of database instance configurations, implementation of privilege monitoring tools, and ensuring that DB2 instance owners operate under the principle of least privilege. System administrators should also consider implementing mandatory access controls and regularly audit database access logs to identify potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also review their incident response procedures to ensure they can quickly respond to privilege escalation events and maintain proper system integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts.