CVE-2018-1449 in DB2
Summary
by MITRE
IBM DB2 for Linux, UNIX and Windows (includes DB2 Connect Server) 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, and 11.1 contains a vulnerability that could allow a local user to overwrite arbitrary files owned by the DB2 instance owner. IBM X-Force ID: 140044.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2023
This vulnerability in IBM DB2 for Linux, UNIX and Windows affects versions 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, and 11.1, representing a critical local privilege escalation flaw that enables unauthorized file overwrites by users with minimal system access. The issue stems from improper file handling mechanisms within the database server's file system operations, specifically when processing certain administrative commands or configuration updates. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can manipulate file permissions and ownership structures to overwrite files that belong to the DB2 instance owner, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This weakness is categorized under CWE-526, which addresses exposure of sensitive information through the presence of sensitive files, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient validation of file paths and inadequate access control mechanisms during file creation and modification operations. When the DB2 server processes specific commands, it fails to properly sanitize input parameters that determine file destinations, creating opportunities for malicious file overwrites. The impact extends beyond simple file corruption as attackers can overwrite critical system files, configuration data, or even executable components that the DB2 service relies upon for normal operation. This creates a persistent threat vector that allows for long-term system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it fundamentally undermines the security model of the DB2 database system and the underlying operating environment. Local attackers who can execute commands with minimal privileges can escalate their access to the full DB2 instance owner account, gaining elevated system permissions that typically require administrative access. This vulnerability directly affects database integrity and availability since attackers can overwrite critical database files, configuration scripts, or system binaries that the DB2 service depends upon. The risk is particularly elevated in multi-tenant environments where database administrators might share system resources, as compromised DB2 instances can serve as entry points for broader network infiltration. Organizations running these affected DB2 versions face potential data loss, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and complete service disruption. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only local system access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where physical or virtual machine access is not strictly controlled. Security teams must consider that this flaw could be combined with other vulnerabilities to create more sophisticated attack chains, potentially leading to complete system compromise and persistent backdoor establishment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security enhancements. Organizations should immediately apply the relevant IBM security patches and updates that resolve the file handling inconsistencies in affected DB2 versions. The recommended approach includes implementing proper access controls and privilege separation, ensuring that DB2 instance owners operate with minimal necessary permissions and that file system access is strictly controlled through mandatory access controls. System administrators should conduct comprehensive file permission audits to identify potential overwrites and implement file integrity monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized file modifications. Network segmentation and principle of least privilege should be enforced to limit local access to database servers, reducing the attack surface for local exploitation. The implementation of file system monitoring tools can help detect suspicious file operations that might indicate exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should verify that no unauthorized modifications have occurred. Additionally, organizations should establish robust incident response procedures that include forensic analysis capabilities to quickly identify and contain exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and file system access control in database server implementations, highlighting the need for comprehensive security testing and code reviews. Regular security training for database administrators should emphasize the risks associated with local privilege escalation and the importance of maintaining strict file system security controls. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior patterns associated with file manipulation operations, providing additional layers of defense against this type of exploitation.