CVE-2018-1923 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: 152859.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1923 affects IBM DB2 database management systems across multiple platforms including Linux, UNIX, and Windows operating systems. This buffer overflow flaw exists within the DB2 Connect Server component and impacts versions 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, and 11.1 of the database software. The vulnerability represents a critical security risk that could potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw arises from insufficient bounds checking in the database server's handling of specific input data, creating an exploitable condition that could be leveraged by malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to database systems.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the DB2 Connect Server's network communication handling routines. When processing certain network requests or database commands, the system fails to adequately validate input lengths against allocated buffer sizes, resulting in memory corruption that can be exploited to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of buffer overflow conditions, specifically manifesting as a stack-based buffer overflow that can be triggered through network-based attacks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the network interface level where DB2 Connect Server listens for incoming connections, making it accessible to remote attackers without requiring local system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized code execution to encompass potential data breaches, system compromise, and disruption of database services. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain full administrative control over affected database servers, potentially leading to data exfiltration, modification of database contents, or complete system takeover. Organizations utilizing affected DB2 versions face significant risk as this vulnerability could be exploited by threat actors to establish persistent backdoors within database environments, particularly in scenarios where database servers are accessible from untrusted networks. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers need only reach the network port where DB2 Connect Server is listening to potentially gain system-level privileges, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by applying the relevant IBM security patches and updates that address this buffer overflow vulnerability. The mitigation strategy should include implementing network segmentation to restrict access to DB2 Connect Server ports, deploying network intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts, and conducting comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation that may have occurred. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing the principle of least privilege for database access controls and regularly monitoring database server logs for suspicious activity. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter, indicating that exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on compromised systems, potentially leading to further lateral movement within network environments and increased attack surface exposure.