CVE-2023-30431 in DB2
Summary
by MITRE • 07/10/2023
IBM Db2 for Linux, UNIX and Windows (includes Db2 Connect Server) 10.5, 11.1, and 11.5 db2set is vulnerable to a buffer overflow, caused by improper bounds checking. An attacker could overflow the buffer and execute arbitrary code. IBM X-Force ID: 252184.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/27/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-30431 affects IBM Db2 database management systems running on Linux, UNIX, and Windows platforms including the Db2 Connect Server component. This issue specifically impacts versions 10.5, 11.1, and 11.5 of the database software where the db2set utility demonstrates improper bounds checking behavior that creates a buffer overflow condition. The db2set utility serves as a configuration tool used to set database parameters and manage system settings within the Db2 environment, making it a critical component for database administration and operations.
The technical flaw manifests when the db2set utility processes user-supplied input without adequate validation of buffer boundaries during parameter assignment operations. This improper bounds checking allows an attacker to provide input data that exceeds the allocated buffer space, causing memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the db2set utility. The vulnerability represents a classic buffer overflow condition that falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking permits data to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The attack vector requires local system access or administrative privileges to execute the malicious input through the db2set utility, making it particularly concerning for database administrators who typically possess elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it can compromise the integrity and confidentiality of database operations. An attacker who successfully exploits this buffer overflow could gain unauthorized access to database configurations, potentially leading to data manipulation, unauthorized data access, or even complete system compromise if the utility runs with elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects database administration workflows since db2set is commonly used for configuration management, making it a prime target for exploitation during routine administrative tasks. Organizations using Db2 versions 10.5, 11.1, and 11.5 face significant risk as this vulnerability could be leveraged to establish persistent access to database environments, particularly in enterprise settings where Db2 is deployed for critical business applications and data storage.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with IBM's security updates and advisories. Organizations should implement strict input validation for all database administration tools and consider restricting local access to the db2set utility to minimize exploitation risk. Network segmentation and privilege separation practices should be enforced to limit potential attack surfaces, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous usage patterns of database administration utilities. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically focusing on the execution of malicious code through legitimate system utilities. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other database management system components, while security awareness training for database administrators should emphasize proper input handling and the risks associated with executing administrative utilities with elevated privileges.