CVE-2019-4322 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: 161202.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2023
IBM DB2 database server versions 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, and 11.1 contain a critical buffer overflow vulnerability that presents a significant security risk to organizations relying on these database systems. This vulnerability specifically affects the DB2 Connect Server component and impacts all supported operating systems including Linux, UNIX, and Windows platforms. The flaw exists within the database server's handling of certain input data structures, creating an opportunity for malicious exploitation that could result in complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the database server processes specific authenticated input requests that are not properly validated or constrained. When an authenticated local attacker submits carefully crafted input data to the DB2 Connect Server, the application fails to properly check buffer boundaries during data processing operations. This failure allows the attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially including return addresses, function pointers, or other critical control data structures. The vulnerability is classified as a classic stack-based buffer overflow, which falls under CWE-121, and represents a fundamental flaw in input validation and memory management practices within the database server's codebase.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution privileges, as successful exploitation results in the attacker gaining root-level access to the underlying operating system. This elevated privilege level provides complete control over database files, system configurations, user accounts, and network services. The local authentication requirement means that attackers must first establish valid credentials, but this access requirement does not mitigate the severity of the potential compromise since legitimate users with appropriate permissions could be compromised through credential theft or insider threats. The vulnerability creates a persistent backdoor that could remain undetected while providing attackers with unrestricted access to sensitive corporate data and system resources.
Organizations should immediately implement multiple layers of defense to protect against this vulnerability while awaiting official patches from IBM. The recommended mitigation strategies include applying the latest security patches released by IBM, which address the specific buffer overflow conditions in the DB2 Connect Server implementation. Additionally, system administrators should implement strict access controls and monitoring of database server processes, particularly focusing on authentication logs and unusual process activities. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to limit unnecessary access to DB2 server ports, reducing the attack surface. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which describes the use of local system permissions to escalate privileges, and represents a critical weakness in the principle of least privilege implementation within database server environments. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and implement comprehensive logging and alerting mechanisms to detect unauthorized access patterns.