CVE-2018-1452 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: 140047.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2023
This vulnerability exists within IBM DB2 database management systems across multiple versions including 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, and 11.1 on Linux, UNIX, and Windows platforms. The flaw represents a critical local privilege escalation issue that allows authenticated local users to manipulate file permissions and overwrite files that belong to the DB2 instance owner account. The vulnerability stems from improper file handling mechanisms within the database server components, specifically affecting the DB2 Connect Server functionality that facilitates remote database connections. This issue creates a significant security risk as it enables malicious users with local access to potentially compromise the entire database infrastructure by targeting critical system files and configuration data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through specific file manipulation sequences that leverage the DB2 instance owner privileges. When a local user executes crafted operations against the database server, the system fails to properly validate file access permissions, allowing the attacker to overwrite files with elevated privileges. This flaw falls under CWE-276 which describes improper file permissions, and specifically relates to CWE-73 which addresses external control of filename or path. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insufficient access control mechanisms within database server processes, where the system does not properly enforce ownership boundaries when handling file operations. Attackers can exploit this by creating symbolic links or manipulating file paths to redirect file writes to critical system locations, effectively bypassing normal permission controls that should protect the DB2 instance owner's files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwriting capabilities and represents a substantial threat to database system integrity and confidentiality. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially overwrite critical database configuration files, system binaries, or log files, leading to system instability, data corruption, or complete service disruption. The vulnerability also enables potential privilege escalation attacks where local users could gain elevated system privileges by overwriting files that are executed with higher privileges. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1068 which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and T1059 which addresses "Command and Scripting Interpreter" as attackers may use this to execute malicious code through overwritten files. Organizations running affected DB2 versions face significant risk of unauthorized access to sensitive database information and potential complete system compromise through this local file overwrite vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch application from IBM as the primary solution, with additional operational controls to limit local user access to database systems. System administrators should implement the principle of least privilege by restricting local user accounts from having unnecessary access to database server components. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit physical access to database servers, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual file modification patterns. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate similar issues within their database infrastructure. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security updates and proper access control implementation in database environments, as the flaw represents a failure in basic security hygiene practices that should be maintained across all database server deployments.