CVE-2018-1710 in DB2
Summary
by MITRE
IBM DB2 for Linux, UNIX and Windows (includes DB2 Connect Server) 10.1, 10.5, and 11.1 tool db2licm is affected by buffer overflow vulnerability that can potentially result in arbitrary code execution. IBM X-Force ID: 146364.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1710 affects IBM DB2 database management system versions 10.1, 10.5, and 11.1 across Linux, UNIX, and Windows platforms including the DB2 Connect Server component. This issue resides within the db2licm tool which is responsible for managing database licenses and performing various administrative functions. The vulnerability manifests as a buffer overflow condition that can be exploited to achieve arbitrary code execution on the target system. The affected tool is commonly used by database administrators for license management and system configuration tasks, making it a critical component for system operations.
The technical flaw stems from improper input validation within the db2licm utility where insufficient bounds checking occurs when processing user-supplied data. When the tool processes specific command-line arguments or license files containing maliciously crafted input, it fails to properly validate the length of input data before copying it into fixed-size buffers. This classic buffer overflow vulnerability allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations and potentially manipulate program execution flow. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through legitimate administrative operations, making detection more difficult in production environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it can lead to complete system compromise when exploited successfully. An attacker who gains access to execute the db2licm tool with malicious input can potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the database service account or administrator. This could result in unauthorized data access, data modification, system enumeration, and lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects database environments where DB2 is deployed in enterprise settings, making it a significant concern for organizations managing sensitive data and critical business applications.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch application from IBM as the primary defense mechanism, since the vulnerability affects core database functionality. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to DB2 administrative interfaces and restrict execution privileges of the db2licm tool to authorized personnel only. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in database administration activities and potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a technique commonly used in attack frameworks such as those documented in the MITRE ATT&CK matrix under privilege escalation and execution tactics. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include verification of patched versions and proper configuration of database administration tools to prevent exploitation of this class of vulnerability.