IBM DB2 Universal Database buildDasPaths Buffer Overflow Vulnerability iDefense Security Advisory 08.16.07 http://labs.idefense.com/intelligence/vulnerabilities/ Aug 16, 2007 I. BACKGROUND IBM Corp.'s DB2 Universal Database product is a large database server product commonly used for high end databases. For more information, visit the following URL. http://ibm.com/db2/ II. DESCRIPTION Local exploitation of a buffer overflow vulnerability in IBM Corp.'s DB2 Universal Database could allow attackers to elevate privileges to the superuser. This vulnerability specifically exists due to insufficient validation of the length of attacker supplied data. When an attacker specifies a specially crafted string via certain environment variables, the string is copied into a static sized buffer stored on the stack. By supplying too much data, an attacker can overflow the buffer and overwrite stack-stored execution control structures resulting in arbitrary code execution. III. ANALYSIS Exploitation allows local attackers to gain root privileges. Non-executable memory technology such as PaX, DEP, exec-shield, or other NX or XD technology, can help prevent against exploitation of this type vulnerability. IV. DETECTION iDefense confirmed the existence of this vulnerability in version 9.1 Fix Pack 2 of IBM Corp.'s DB2 Universal Database installed on a Linux system. All prior versions, as well as builds for other UNIX-based operating systems, are suspected to be vulnerable. V. WORKAROUND Setting more strict permissions on the DB2 instance directory can help mitigate some of these vulnerabilities. Removing the setuid-bit from all programs included with DB2 can also help mitigate exposure. Note, these configuration changes have not been thoroughly tested and may cause adverse behavior. VI. VENDOR RESPONSE IBM Corp. has addressed this vulnerability by releasing V9 Fix Pack 3 and version V8 FixPak 15 of its Universal Database product. More information can be found at the following URLs. V8: http://www-1.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=swg21256235 V9: http://www-1.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=swg21255572 VII. CVE INFORMATION The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the name CVE-2007-4276 to this issue. This is a candidate for inclusion in the CVE list (http://cve.mitre.org/), which standardizes names for security problems. VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE 03/22/2007 Initial vendor notification 03/23/2007 Initial vendor response 08/16/2007 Coordinated public disclosure IX. CREDIT The discoverer of this vulnerability wishes to remain anonymous. Get paid for vulnerability research http://labs.idefense.com/methodology/vulnerability/vcp.php Free tools, research and upcoming events http://labs.idefense.com/ X. LEGAL NOTICES Copyright © 2007 iDefense, Inc. Permission is granted for the redistribution of this alert electronically. It may not be edited in any way without the express written consent of iDefense. If you wish to reprint the whole or any part of this alert in any other medium other than electronically, please e-mail customerservice@xxxxxxxxxxxx for permission. Disclaimer: The information in the advisory is believed to be accurate at the time of publishing based on currently available information. Use of the information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition. There are no warranties with regard to this information. Neither the author nor the publisher accepts any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage arising from use of, or reliance on, this information.
