CVE-2021-29825 in DB2
Summary
by MITRE • 09/16/2021
IBM Db2 for Linux, UNIX and Windows (includes Db2 Connect Server) could disclose sensitive information when using ADMIN_CMD with LOAD or BACKUP. IBM X-Force ID: 204470.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/19/2021
IBM Db2 for Linux, UNIX and Windows contains a sensitive information disclosure vulnerability that affects the ADMIN_CMD function when used with LOAD or BACKUP operations. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of administrative commands that could potentially expose internal system details to unauthorized users. The flaw exists in the way the database management system processes administrative functions during data loading or backup procedures, creating opportunities for information leakage that could aid attackers in understanding the underlying system architecture.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the ADMIN_CMD function which serves as a gateway for executing administrative operations within the Db2 environment. When administrators execute LOAD or BACKUP commands through this interface, the system inadvertently reveals metadata and internal configuration details that should remain confidential. This information disclosure occurs because the system does not properly sanitize or restrict the output of administrative responses during these specific operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects multiple operating systems including Linux, UNIX, and Windows platforms, indicating a widespread impact across IBM Db2 deployments.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability poses significant risks to database security and system integrity. Attackers who can exploit this flaw could gain insights into database structures, user permissions, system configurations, and potentially even authentication mechanisms. The information disclosed through this vulnerability could be leveraged to plan more sophisticated attacks against the database infrastructure. The impact extends beyond simple information leakage as the exposed details might reveal patterns in system behavior that could be exploited in conjunction with other vulnerabilities. Organizations running Db2 across their enterprise infrastructure face heightened risk of targeted attacks that could compromise sensitive data assets.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information disclosure vulnerabilities in software systems. This classification indicates that the flaw represents a fundamental security weakness in how the system manages and controls information flow during administrative operations. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1069 (Permission Groups Discovery), as attackers could use the disclosed information to map system access controls and identify potential attack vectors. The exposure of internal system details through administrative interfaces represents a common pattern in database security flaws where privileged functions become attack surfaces for information gathering.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant IBM security patches and updates to address the vulnerability. System administrators should also consider restricting access to ADMIN_CMD functionality and implementing additional monitoring around administrative operations. The principle of least privilege should be enforced when configuring database access permissions, particularly for users who require administrative capabilities. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues within database environments. Additionally, organizations should review their backup and load procedures to ensure that sensitive information is not inadvertently exposed through administrative command responses. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit potential exploitation of this vulnerability across the broader infrastructure.