CVE-2019-4154 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: 158519.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/09/2023
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 resides in the database server's handling of specific network protocols and authentication mechanisms that process incoming requests from connected clients. The flaw occurs when the system processes malformed or oversized input data during the authentication handshake process, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability specifically impacts the way the DB2 Connect Server manages buffer allocations for network communication channels, creating a condition where an attacker can overwrite adjacent memory locations with carefully crafted input data. This buffer overflow condition allows an authenticated local attacker to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code with root-level permissions, effectively compromising the entire database server infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only local authentication access to exploit, meaning an attacker who can establish a valid database connection can leverage this flaw to gain complete system control. The technical implementation involves improper bounds checking in the network protocol handler that fails to validate the length of incoming data packets before copying them into fixed-size buffers. This flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The attack vector is classified as local privilege escalation through authenticated access, consistent with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation'. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to full system compromise, as the elevated privileges enable access to all database files, system configurations, and underlying operating system resources. Organizations using these vulnerable DB2 versions face significant risk of data breaches, system takeover, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects database administrators who may unknowingly provide access to systems running these outdated versions, creating an attack surface that can be exploited by both internal and external threat actors. The exploitation process requires the attacker to establish a legitimate database connection first, then send specifically crafted network packets that trigger the buffer overflow condition. This makes the vulnerability particularly insidious as it can be difficult to detect through standard network monitoring tools since the initial connection appears legitimate. The affected IBM DB2 versions have been superseded by newer releases that include proper input validation and buffer management controls to prevent such memory corruption issues. Security professionals should prioritize immediate patching of all affected systems and implement network segmentation to limit access to database servers. Additionally, monitoring for unusual authentication patterns and network traffic to database servers can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date database server software and implementing proper access controls to prevent privilege escalation attacks that can lead to complete system compromise. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts against this or similar vulnerabilities. The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate system compromise to potential data loss, regulatory compliance violations, and significant business disruption. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected DB2 versions across their infrastructure and ensure proper remediation through official IBM patches and updates. The vulnerability highlights the need for robust security practices including regular software updates, access control reviews, and continuous monitoring of database server environments to prevent exploitation of known security flaws.