CVE-2018-1685 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 in db2cacpy that could allow a local user to read any file on the system. IBM X-Force ID: 145502.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1685 affects IBM DB2 database management systems across multiple platforms including Linux, UNIX, and Windows operating systems. This issue specifically targets the db2cacpy component within DB2 versions 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, and 11.1, representing a critical local privilege escalation vector that could potentially compromise entire database environments. The flaw resides in the file copying functionality that lacks proper input validation and access control mechanisms, creating an avenue for unauthorized information disclosure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of file paths within the db2cacpy utility, which allows local attackers to manipulate the copying process to access arbitrary files on the system. When the utility processes file copy operations, it fails to properly validate user-supplied parameters, enabling attackers to craft malicious input that bypasses normal file access controls. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22, known as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory," which is classified as a common software security weakness affecting file system operations. The vulnerability essentially allows an attacker to specify any file path during the copy operation, potentially enabling access to sensitive system files, configuration data, or database credentials that should remain protected.
From an operational standpoint, the impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable further compromise of the database environment. A local attacker with minimal privileges could leverage this flaw to extract sensitive data such as database connection strings, administrative credentials, or configuration files containing encryption keys. The attack vector requires local system access, which means that an attacker would need to first gain a foothold on the system through other means, but once achieved, the vulnerability provides a mechanism to escalate privileges and access additional sensitive resources. This type of attack aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005, "Data from Local System," and represents a significant concern for database administrators who must protect against insider threats and compromised local accounts.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should encompass both immediate patching and operational security measures. IBM has released patches addressing this specific vulnerability, and system administrators should prioritize applying these updates across all affected DB2 installations. Additionally, implementing proper file system access controls, restricting local user privileges, and monitoring for unusual file access patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit local access to database servers and establish robust logging and monitoring for file system operations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in system utilities and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of administrative tools that handle file operations, particularly those running with elevated privileges in database environments.