CVE-2019-4014 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-Force ID: 155892.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2023
IBM DB2 database server versions 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, and 11.1 contain a critical buffer overflow vulnerability that affects systems running Linux, UNIX, and Windows operating systems including the DB2 Connect Server component. This vulnerability resides in the database server's handling of certain input parameters within its internal processing routines, creating a condition where an authenticated local user can manipulate memory allocation through crafted input sequences. The flaw specifically manifests when the system processes certain database commands or administrative operations that involve buffer handling mechanisms, allowing an attacker with legitimate credentials to exploit memory corruption patterns that ultimately lead to privilege escalation. The vulnerability is classified as a buffer overflow under CWE-121, which represents a classic memory safety issue where insufficient bounds checking allows data to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The attack vector requires local system access with valid authentication credentials, making it a local privilege escalation vulnerability rather than a remote attack vector, though the impact remains severe due to the potential for root-level compromise. When successfully exploited, the buffer overflow enables the authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code with the highest system privileges, effectively providing complete system control. The vulnerability's presence in multiple DB2 versions across different operating systems indicates a widespread issue affecting database administrators and system operators who maintain these legacy installations. This flaw directly violates the principle of least privilege and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Local Privilege Escalation' through exploitation of system vulnerabilities. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to full system compromise, as the attacker gains root-level access that allows complete control over database operations, system configuration, and access to all stored data. Organizations running these vulnerable DB2 versions face significant operational risks, particularly in environments where database administrators maintain elevated privileges or where the database servers host sensitive enterprise data. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal network exposure since it operates locally, but the potential for lateral movement within a network increases when database servers are accessible to multiple users. IBM's official advisory indicates that the vulnerability affects the database server's internal memory management functions, particularly in how it handles certain administrative commands and user input validation. The security implications are severe enough that organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including system patching, privilege restrictions, and enhanced monitoring of database server access. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date database server installations, as legacy versions often contain unpatched security flaws that pose significant risks to enterprise environments. Organizations should consider implementing additional security controls such as mandatory access controls, database activity monitoring, and privilege auditing to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The attack scenario typically involves an authenticated user with database access performing operations that trigger the vulnerable code path, potentially through crafted SQL statements or administrative commands that manipulate buffer allocation parameters. This vulnerability underscores the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs, particularly for mission-critical database systems that handle sensitive organizational data and require high levels of security assurance. The presence of such a vulnerability in widely deployed database software highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining security in complex enterprise systems where legacy components may contain unaddressed security flaws. Organizations should prioritize patch management processes to ensure that database servers receive timely security updates, as the exploitation of such vulnerabilities can result in complete system compromise and data breaches. The vulnerability also emphasizes the need for proper access controls and privilege management within database environments, as the attack requires legitimate user credentials to succeed. System administrators should implement comprehensive monitoring solutions to detect anomalous database activities that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around administrative operations and privilege escalation activities. The remediation approach involves applying the appropriate IBM security patches and updates to eliminate the buffer overflow condition, while also implementing operational controls to reduce the attack surface and prevent unauthorized access to database systems.