CVE-2018-1922 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 is affected by buffer overflow vulnerability that can potentially result in arbitrary code execution. IBM X-Force ID: 152858.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2023
This vulnerability affects 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 buffer overflow flaw represents a critical security weakness that could potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation in the database server's processing of certain data structures, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to exploit memory handling mechanisms. According to IBM's security advisory, this issue specifically impacts the DB2 Connect Server component which serves as a gateway for remote database connections, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the DB2 server processes incoming data packets that contain malformed or excessively long input sequences. When these inputs exceed the allocated buffer boundaries, the overflow can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical program execution flow. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows data to overwrite adjacent stack memory. The attack vector typically involves sending specially crafted database queries or connection parameters that trigger the vulnerable code path within the DB2 server's memory management routines.
Operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive database information, system compromise, and possible lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability affects database administrators and system operators who may not immediately detect unauthorized access attempts, particularly since the overflow may not immediately crash the database service. Organizations running affected DB2 versions face significant risk of data breaches, unauthorized data manipulation, and potential system takeover scenarios. The vulnerability's presence in DB2 Connect Server components means that remote attackers can potentially exploit this weakness without requiring local system access, amplifying the attack surface and making the vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include applying the relevant IBM security patches and updates released for DB2 versions 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, and 11.1. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to DB2 servers and restrict database connections to trusted networks only. Database administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect anomalous database activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected DB2 versions and prioritize patch deployment based on risk assessment. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1071.004 for application layer protocol, as attackers would likely leverage the executed code to establish persistence and conduct further reconnaissance activities. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and database user privilege management to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.