iDefense Security Advisory 08.16.07: IBM DB2 Universal Database buildDasPaths Buffer Overflow Vulnerability

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 [email protected] 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.