IBM DB2 Universal Database Multiple Untrusted Search Path Vulnerabilities

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 multiple untrusted search path vulnerabilities in
IBM Corp.'s DB2 Universal Database could allow attackers to elevate
privileges to the superuser.

These vulnerabilities exist due to the execution of binaries or loading
of libraries within untrusted paths. In each case, the path to a binary
or library is generated based on an environment variable that is under
attacker control. Additionally, the files to be executed or loaded are
located in a directory under attacker control.

III. ANALYSIS

Exploitation allows local attackers to gain root privileges.

In cases where programs are executed, an attacker need only create a
specially crafted environment and file structure. In cases where a
library is loaded, creating a library containing a specially crafted
initialization section is sufficient.

In order to exploit some of these vulnerabilities, the attacker must be
a member of the "db2grp1" or a group corresponding with an installed
DB2 instance.

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-2007-4275 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

03/23/2007  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.

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X. LEGAL NOTICES

Copyright © 2007 iDefense, Inc.

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at the time of publishing based on currently available information. Use
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