CVE-2021-29752 in DB2
Summary
by MITRE • 09/16/2021
IBM Db2 11.2 and 11.5 contains an information disclosure vulnerability, exposing remote storage credentials to privileged users under specific conditions. IBM X-Fporce ID: 201780.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/19/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-29752 affects IBM Db2 database management systems version 11.2 and 11.5, representing a critical information disclosure weakness that could compromise database security. This vulnerability allows remote storage credentials to be exposed to privileged users when specific operational conditions are met, creating a significant risk for organizations relying on Db2 for critical data storage and management. The flaw specifically impacts the database's handling of remote storage credentials, potentially enabling unauthorized access to storage systems that are integral to database operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls and credential handling mechanisms within the Db2 database software. When certain conditions are present during database operations, the system fails to properly restrict access to storage credentials that should remain protected from unauthorized users. This information disclosure occurs through improper privilege management where privileged users can access credential information that should be restricted to specific administrative functions. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure, and represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege that should govern database access controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-29752 extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it creates potential pathways for broader system compromise. When remote storage credentials are disclosed to privileged users, attackers could leverage this information to access underlying storage systems, potentially leading to data theft, system disruption, or further lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to systems to exploit this weakness, making it particularly dangerous in distributed database environments where remote access is common. Organizations using Db2 in cloud or hybrid environments face increased risk as credential exposure could facilitate unauthorized access to cloud storage resources that are often interconnected with database systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected Db2 versions, implementing strict access controls, and monitoring for unauthorized credential access attempts. Organizations must apply the relevant IBM security patches that address the credential exposure issue while also reviewing and tightening privilege assignments within their database environments. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1552, which covers "Unsecured Credentials," and organizations should implement monitoring procedures to detect unusual access patterns to storage credentials. Additional protective measures include implementing database activity monitoring, enforcing multi-factor authentication for privileged database access, and conducting regular security assessments to identify potential privilege escalation vectors that could exploit this vulnerability.