CVE-2017-1520 in DB2
Summary
by MITRE
IBM DB2 9.7, 10,1, 10.5, and 11.1 is vulnerable to an unauthorized command that allows the database to be activated when authentication type is CLIENT. IBM X-Force ID: 129830.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2021
IBM DB2 database systems version 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, and 11.1 contain a critical authentication bypass vulnerability that affects systems configured with CLIENT authentication type. This vulnerability stems from improper validation of authentication credentials during the database activation process, allowing unauthorized users to gain access to database resources without proper authentication. The flaw exists in the authentication mechanism that fails to adequately verify user credentials when the database is being activated, creating a window of opportunity for malicious actors to exploit the system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the core authentication layer of the database system, potentially enabling attackers to execute unauthorized commands and access sensitive data. According to the Common Weakness Enumeration standard, this vulnerability maps to CWE-287 which describes improper authentication scenarios where systems fail to properly validate user identities. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can enable attackers to perform administrative functions, modify database configurations, and potentially exfiltrate confidential information. The issue becomes more pronounced when considering that CLIENT authentication type typically requires clients to provide valid credentials, yet this vulnerability allows bypass of those requirements during the activation phase. From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation through authentication bypass mechanisms. The vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in the database's security architecture where the authentication process is not properly enforced during critical system operations. The risk assessment indicates that systems running affected IBM DB2 versions with CLIENT authentication enabled are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, as the attack surface includes not just network access but also the ability to manipulate database state during activation. Organizations utilizing these database versions should consider immediate remediation through official IBM patches and updates to address the authentication bypass vulnerability.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to have network access to the database server and to understand the specific activation process that occurs when the database is being initialized or restarted. The flaw manifests when the database system transitions from a stopped state to an active state, during which the authentication mechanism fails to properly validate incoming credentials. This creates a temporal window where the database accepts commands without proper authentication, allowing for unauthorized administrative access. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that database activation often occurs during system startup or maintenance windows when security monitoring may be reduced. IBM's official advisory recommends implementing proper authentication configurations and applying security patches to address this issue. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-287 highlights the fundamental weakness in authentication implementation, where the system fails to properly verify user identities during critical operations. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to this vulnerability. The presence of this flaw in multiple database versions indicates a systemic issue that affects a wide range of installations, making it a high-priority security concern for database administrators and security teams responsible for protecting enterprise data assets. Proper monitoring and logging of database activation events should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts of this vulnerability. The remediation process involves not only applying the necessary patches but also reviewing authentication configurations and ensuring that database activation processes properly enforce authentication requirements.