CVE-2019-4386 in DB2
Summary
by MITRE
IBM DB2 for Linux, UNIX and Windows (includes DB2 Connect Server) 11.1 could allow an authenticated user to execute a function that would cause the server to crash. IBM X-Force ID: 162714.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2023
IBM DB2 version 11.1 across Linux, UNIX, and Windows platforms contains a vulnerability that enables authenticated users to trigger a server crash through specific function execution. This flaw represents a denial of service condition that can be exploited by individuals who have valid credentials to access the database system. The vulnerability specifically affects the DB2 Connect Server component, which facilitates connectivity between different database systems and applications. Attackers with legitimate authentication credentials can leverage this weakness to disrupt database operations and potentially impact business continuity. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation within certain database functions that process user requests, allowing malformed or specially crafted inputs to cause the server process to terminate unexpectedly. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation as classified by CWE-20, which is a fundamental weakness in software design that allows attackers to manipulate system behavior through malformed data inputs. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only authentication credentials rather than elevated privileges, making it accessible to users who have legitimate database access but may not have administrative rights. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as database downtime can affect critical business applications and workflows that depend on continuous database availability. Organizations using IBM DB2 11.1 should consider this vulnerability as a medium to high severity threat, especially in environments where database availability is critical for business operations. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the technique of "Denial of Service" within the execution phase, as it allows adversaries to cause system unavailability through legitimate access channels. The vulnerability is particularly relevant in multi-tenant environments where different users share the same database instance, as it could enable one user to disrupt services for other legitimate users. IBM has addressed this vulnerability through security updates and patches that improve input validation mechanisms and strengthen the server's resilience against malformed inputs. The root cause of the issue involves insufficient bounds checking and error handling within specific database functions that process user-provided data. This weakness creates a pathway for authenticated users to craft inputs that trigger memory corruption or resource exhaustion conditions, ultimately leading to server termination. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring of database server activities to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures to address such vulnerabilities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security testing and code review processes during software development, particularly for database systems that handle sensitive business data and support critical applications. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for similar input validation weaknesses in database components and applications that interact with database systems. The impact of this vulnerability is further amplified in environments where database servers operate without adequate redundancy or failover mechanisms, as a single successful exploitation could result in complete service disruption. Security teams should prioritize patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of IBM security fixes and maintain awareness of related vulnerabilities in the database ecosystem. The vulnerability also underscores the need for principle of least privilege implementations, where database users have only the minimum necessary permissions to perform their required tasks, reducing the potential impact of authenticated attacks. Organizations should conduct regular security training for database administrators and application developers to raise awareness about proper input handling and validation techniques that can prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced into database applications and systems.