CVE-2020-5025 in DB2
Summary
by MITRE • 03/11/2021
IBM DB2 for Linux, UNIX and Windows (includes DB2 Connect Server) 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, 11.1, and 11.5 db2fm is vulnerable to a buffer overflow, caused by improper bounds checking which could allow a local attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system with root privileges. IBM X-Force ID: 193661.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/31/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-5025 affects IBM DB2 database management systems across multiple versions including 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, 11.1, and 11.5 on Linux, UNIX, and Windows platforms. This issue specifically impacts the db2fm component which is part of the DB2 Connect Server functionality. The flaw represents a critical security weakness that could be exploited by local attackers to gain elevated privileges and execute arbitrary code with root level access. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking mechanisms within the buffer handling code of the db2fm utility.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow vulnerability occurs when the db2fm component processes input data without proper validation of buffer limits. This improper bounds checking allows an attacker to supply malicious input that exceeds the allocated buffer space, causing memory corruption that can be leveraged to overwrite critical memory locations. When executed successfully, this exploitation technique can lead to arbitrary code execution with the highest privilege level available on the system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only local access to exploit, making it accessible to any user with legitimate system access who can manipulate the db2fm utility.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations relying on IBM DB2 systems as it allows privilege escalation from regular user level to root level access. The potential consequences include complete system compromise, data theft, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and disruption of database services. The attack vector is relatively straightforward since local access is sufficient for exploitation, meaning that any user with legitimate access to the system could potentially leverage this vulnerability. Organizations with DB2 installations running the affected versions face immediate security concerns and must consider the possibility of unauthorized access to their database infrastructure.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows memory to be overwritten, and it maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation'. IBM has released patches and fixes for this vulnerability in subsequent updates, and organizations should immediately apply the relevant security updates to mitigate the risk. The recommended mitigation strategy includes applying the official IBM security patches, implementing network segmentation to limit local access to database systems, and conducting regular security assessments of database environments. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for any suspicious activity related to db2fm processes and consider implementing privilege separation measures to reduce the potential impact of such vulnerabilities in the event of exploitation.