CVE-2018-1980 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 vulnerable to a buffer overflow, which could allow an authenticated local attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system as root. IBM X-ForceID: 154078.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2023
IBM DB2 database server versions 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, and 11.1 contain a critical buffer overflow vulnerability that affects the DB2 Connect Server component running on Linux, UNIX, and Windows platforms. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the database server's network communication handling mechanisms, specifically when processing certain protocol messages. The flaw exists in the way the system processes data received from connected clients, where a specially crafted input buffer can exceed the allocated memory space, leading to memory corruption. This buffer overflow condition creates an execution path where an authenticated local attacker can manipulate the program flow and potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only local authentication to exploit, meaning an attacker who has legitimate database access credentials can leverage this flaw to gain root-level system access. The attack vector typically involves sending malformed network packets or protocol data to the DB2 Connect server, which then processes this data without proper bounds checking, causing the overflow. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a significant concern for database security environments where privilege escalation can lead to complete system compromise. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can result in complete system takeover, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor establishment. Organizations running these vulnerable DB2 versions face substantial risk, particularly in environments where database administrators maintain elevated privileges or where database services run with root-level permissions. The vulnerability affects both the DB2 Connect Server and the core database engine, making it a comprehensive security risk across the entire DB2 platform. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation,' and T1059, covering 'Command and Scripting Interpreter,' as the successful exploitation would enable an attacker to execute commands with root privileges. The attack requires minimal sophistication but maximum impact, as it leverages legitimate authentication mechanisms to gain elevated system access. Organizations should immediately apply the relevant IBM security patches and updates to address this vulnerability, while also implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit potential exploitation. Additionally, monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns and authentication attempts should be implemented as part of defensive measures. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory management in database server implementations, particularly for components that handle external network communications. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar buffer overflow conditions in other database components and applications within the enterprise infrastructure. System administrators should also review and tighten access controls for database services, ensuring that database accounts maintain only the minimum necessary privileges required for their operations. The remediation process involves not just patching the specific vulnerability but also conducting a comprehensive review of database security configurations and access controls to prevent similar issues from arising in other components of the database ecosystem.