CVE-2018-1897 in DB2
Summary
by MITRE
IBM DB2 for Linux, UNIX and Windows 9.7, 10.1, 10.5., and 11.1 db2pdcfg is vulnerable to a stack based buffer overflow, caused by improper bounds checking which could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code. IBM X-Force ID: 152462.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1897 affects IBM DB2 database management system versions 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, and 11.1 across Linux, UNIX, and Windows platforms. This security flaw resides within the db2pdcfg utility which is part of the database configuration tools. The issue manifests as a stack-based buffer overflow condition that occurs when the application fails to properly validate input boundaries during processing. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The affected component db2pdcfg serves as a configuration utility that manages database parameters and system settings, making it a critical element within the database administration toolkit.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to provide malicious input to the db2pdcfg utility that exceeds the allocated buffer size on the stack. When the application processes this oversized input without proper validation, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting the stack frame and overwriting return addresses or other critical control data. This condition creates an opportunity for arbitrary code execution, as attackers can manipulate the overwritten memory locations to redirect program execution flow to malicious payloads. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it could be exploited by unauthenticated users who have access to the system and can invoke the db2pdcfg utility, potentially leading to complete system compromise. According to the ATT&CK framework, this represents a privilege escalation technique under the T1068 category, where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to gain higher privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation could result in complete database server compromise, data theft, or service disruption. Database administrators who rely on the db2pdcfg utility for routine maintenance and configuration tasks face significant risk, as any malicious input during these operations could trigger the overflow condition. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of IBM DB2, indicating it was likely present across a wide deployment base and could impact organizations with legacy systems. Organizations using IBM DB2 in production environments where the db2pdcfg utility is accessible to users or where untrusted input could be processed pose the highest risk. The potential for remote exploitation, combined with the ability to execute arbitrary code, means that successful exploitation could allow attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially move laterally within the network infrastructure. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK matrix's T1078 category, which covers valid accounts and legitimate credentials as attack vectors, since exploitation may require access to systems where the utility is available.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates released by IBM to address this vulnerability. System administrators should also consider restricting access to the db2pdcfg utility to only authorized personnel and implementing proper input validation controls. Additional defensive measures include monitoring for suspicious invocation patterns of the utility and ensuring that the database environment follows security best practices such as least privilege access and regular security assessments. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper bounds checking in application code and demonstrates how seemingly minor input validation flaws can lead to critical security consequences. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential buffer overflow conditions within their database environments and ensure that all database components are regularly updated with the latest security patches.