CVE-2023-46167 in DB2
Summary
by MITRE • 12/04/2023
IBM Db2 for Linux, UNIX and Windows (includes Db2 Connect Server) 11.5 federated server is vulnerable to a denial of service when a specially crafted cursor is used. IBM X-Force ID: 269367.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-46167 affects IBM Db2 for Linux, UNIX and Windows versions including Db2 Connect Server 11.5 federated server components. This issue represents a significant security concern within database infrastructure as it allows malicious actors to potentially disrupt database services through carefully constructed cursor operations. The vulnerability specifically targets the federated server functionality which enables distributed database queries across multiple data sources, making it a critical component for enterprise database environments that rely on federated query capabilities.
The technical flaw manifests when a specially crafted cursor is executed against the Db2 federated server, leading to a denial of service condition that can render the database service unavailable to legitimate users. This vulnerability operates at the database query execution level where cursor handling mechanisms fail to properly validate or process malformed cursor operations. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and error handling within the federated query processing components, allowing crafted cursor syntax to trigger unexpected behavior that results in service disruption. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129 Input Validation and OWASP Top Ten category A03: Injection, as it involves improper handling of user-supplied data within database operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service interruption as it can affect business continuity for organizations relying on Db2 federated capabilities. When exploited, the denial of service condition can prevent legitimate database users from accessing critical information systems, potentially causing cascading effects throughout enterprise applications that depend on database connectivity. The vulnerability is particularly concerning for environments where Db2 federated servers handle mission-critical queries across distributed data sources, as the disruption can impact multiple dependent systems simultaneously. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform service disruption attacks without requiring elevated privileges, making it an attractive target for malicious actors seeking to compromise database availability.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest IBM security patches and updates specifically addressing CVE-2023-46167. Network segmentation and access controls should be reinforced to limit exposure of federated server components to untrusted networks. Monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect unusual cursor execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing database activity monitoring solutions can help identify and alert on suspicious cursor operations that may trigger the vulnerability. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1499.004 for Network Denial of Service and T1566.001 for Spearphishing Attachment, as it represents both a service disruption vector and potential initial access point through malicious cursor injection techniques. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in database configurations and ensure comprehensive protection against similar threats.