CVE-2017-1452 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 to obtain elevated privilege and overwrite DB2 files. IBM X-Force ID: 128180.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2021
This vulnerability affects IBM DB2 database management systems across multiple versions including 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, and 11.1 on Linux, UNIX, and Windows platforms with DB2 Connect Server included. The flaw represents a privilege escalation issue that allows local attackers to gain elevated system privileges and potentially overwrite critical DB2 files. The vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls and file permission handling within the database server components, creating a path for local users to manipulate the underlying system resources. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning because it bridges the gap between database user privileges and operating system level access, enabling attackers to move beyond traditional database boundaries. The issue manifests when local users can exploit weaknesses in the file system access controls or process privilege management within the DB2 environment, potentially allowing them to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a combination of insufficient privilege separation and inadequate file system permission enforcement. Attackers can leverage this weakness to escalate their privileges from standard database user level to system administrator level, which would grant them access to critical system files and database configuration data. The vulnerability specifically targets the DB2 Connect Server component, which serves as a gateway for remote database connections, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to establish persistent access. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to overwrite or modify DB2 configuration files, potentially leading to complete system compromise or data corruption. The flaw is classified under CWE-269 which deals with Improper Privilege Management, and represents a classic case of privilege escalation through inadequate access control mechanisms. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which focuses on Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, and T1070 which covers Indicator Removal on Host.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential data integrity compromise and system availability threats. Local attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can manipulate database files, potentially leading to data loss, corruption, or unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the database. The ability to overwrite DB2 files creates risks for database administrators who may lose critical configuration data or be forced to perform extensive recovery operations. Organizations using affected DB2 versions face increased risk of unauthorized system access, especially in environments where local user accounts are not properly secured. The vulnerability's presence in DB2 Connect Server components means that even systems with restricted network access could be compromised if local users have access to the system. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where proper access controls have not been implemented. The impact is further amplified by the fact that DB2 is widely used in enterprise environments, meaning that successful exploitation could affect critical business applications and data repositories.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant IBM security patches and updates that address this privilege escalation vulnerability. System administrators should conduct thorough access control reviews to ensure that local user accounts have appropriate privileges and that unnecessary local access is restricted. The implementation of principle of least privilege should be enforced across all database server components, particularly the DB2 Connect Server functionality. Additional monitoring should be deployed to detect unusual file access patterns or privilege escalation attempts within the database environment. Network segmentation and access control policies should be reviewed to limit local system access where possible. Regular security assessments should be performed to identify and remediate similar privilege management issues within the database infrastructure. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior patterns consistent with privilege escalation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to prevent exploitation of known privilege escalation flaws in database management systems.