CVE-2019-4016 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: 155894.
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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 presents a severe security risk to organizations relying on these database systems. This vulnerability exists within the database server's handling of certain input parameters and specifically affects the DB2 Connect Server component that facilitates connectivity between different database systems. The flaw allows an authenticated local attacker to exploit a buffer overflow condition that can escalate privileges to root level execution. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices within the database server's codebase, particularly in how it processes specific administrative commands and connection parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to possess valid authentication credentials to the database system, which significantly reduces the attack surface compared to remote exploitation vectors. However, the impact remains severe as successful exploitation results in complete system compromise with root privileges. The buffer overflow occurs when the database server processes malformed input data that exceeds the allocated buffer space, causing memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic privilege escalation vector. The attack typically involves crafting specific input sequences that overwrite memory locations, potentially allowing the attacker to inject and execute malicious code within the database server process context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it provides attackers with complete control over the database server environment. Organizations with multiple database instances running vulnerable versions face significant risk, as a single compromised system can serve as a foothold for further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects not only the database server itself but also any applications or services that depend on the compromised database for operations. This risk is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where database servers often contain sensitive corporate data and serve as central points for business operations. The vulnerability's presence in DB2 Connect Server components also increases risk for organizations that rely on database connectivity between different systems, as the attack could potentially propagate across connected database environments.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including applying the relevant IBM security patches and updates to address this vulnerability. System administrators should also consider implementing additional access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a local privilege escalation issue means that organizations should review their authentication and access control policies to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to database server systems. Network segmentation and least privilege principles should be enforced to limit the potential impact if an attacker does gain access to a vulnerable system. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable software versions within the organization's infrastructure. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization practices in applications that interface with DB2 databases can provide additional defense in depth against similar vulnerabilities.