CVE-2019-4094 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 binaries load shared libraries from an untrusted path potentially giving low privilege user full access to root by loading a malicious shared library. IBM X-Force ID: 158014.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2023
IBM DB2 database server versions 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, and 11.1 contain a critical privilege escalation vulnerability stemming from improper shared library loading mechanisms. This flaw exists in the database server binaries that execute with elevated privileges, specifically root access, when running on linux, unix, and windows platforms. The vulnerability arises from the application's failure to validate library paths during the loading process, allowing malicious actors with low privilege accounts to manipulate the library loading sequence and execute arbitrary code with root privileges. The technical implementation involves the database server's dynamic library loader not properly sanitizing the library search path, creating an environment where attacker-controlled libraries can be loaded in place of legitimate system libraries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and directly aligns with attack techniques described in the attack pattern taxonomy under attack pattern id 1517 which details privilege escalation through library injection. An attacker with minimal privileges can exploit this weakness by placing a malicious shared library in a location that will be searched before the legitimate system libraries, effectively hijacking the database server's execution flow. This allows for complete system compromise without requiring direct administrative access or knowledge of system passwords. The vulnerability specifically relates to common weakness enumeration id 427 which describes untrusted search path usage, a well-documented pattern that enables attackers to substitute malicious code for legitimate system components. The flaw represents a classic case of insecure library loading that can be exploited through path manipulation techniques.
This vulnerability creates a significant risk for organizations running IBM DB2 installations, as it allows attackers to bypass normal authentication mechanisms and gain full administrative control over database servers. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to execute successfully, making it an attractive target for both internal and external threat actors. The exploitation process involves creating a malicious shared library with the same name as a legitimate library that the database server loads, then placing it in a directory that will be searched before the system library paths. This approach leverages the principle of least privilege violation, where the database server's elevated privileges are used to execute attacker-controlled code. Organizations with this vulnerability present a high-risk profile for data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The attack pattern described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation techniques demonstrates how this vulnerability can be weaponized to achieve persistent access and complete system control. The remediation strategy requires immediate patching of affected systems, implementation of proper library path validation, and enforcement of secure coding practices that prevent untrusted path loading in privileged processes. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring for suspicious library loading activities and maintain strict access controls to prevent unauthorized modification of system directories where database binaries reside.