CVE-2017-1451 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: 128178.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2021
This vulnerability exists in IBM DB2 database management systems across multiple versions including 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, and 11.1 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows platforms. The flaw represents a privilege escalation vulnerability that allows a local user with DB2 instance owner privileges to escalate their access to root level system privileges. The vulnerability specifically affects systems running DB2 Connect Server components and demonstrates a critical security flaw in the privilege management mechanisms of the database system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient privilege validation and access control checks within the DB2 instance owner execution context. When a local user possesses DB2 instance owner privileges, they can exploit a flaw in the system's privilege escalation mechanisms to gain root access to the underlying operating system. This typically occurs through improper handling of system calls or privilege elevation routines that fail to properly verify the security context of the executing process. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-276 as improper privilege management, which directly relates to the flawed access control implementation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides a direct path for attackers to achieve complete system compromise from a local position. Once an attacker with DB2 instance owner privileges successfully exploits this vulnerability, they gain root access to the entire system, enabling them to modify any system files, install malicious software, create new user accounts, and access all data stored on the system. This represents a critical escalation from database-level access to full system control, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where database administrators often maintain elevated privileges.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant IBM security patches and updates released for this vulnerability. System administrators should also enforce strict access control policies limiting DB2 instance owner privileges to only essential personnel and implement additional monitoring for suspicious privilege escalation activities. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers privilege escalation through local exploitation, and organizations should consider implementing the principle of least privilege as outlined in NIST SP 800-53 to reduce the attack surface. Additionally, regular security audits and privilege reviews should be conducted to ensure that DB2 instance owners maintain only necessary access rights and that the system maintains proper security boundaries between database and operating system privileges.