CVE-2018-1634 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2018-1634, a high-severity vulnerability in IBM Informix Dynamic Server Enterprise Edition 12.1 that could allow a local user to gain root privileges. Find mitigation steps and long-term security practices here.
A vulnerability in the IBM Informix Dynamic Server Enterprise Edition 12.1 software could potentially allow a local user to gain root privileges through a symbolic link flaw.
Understanding CVE-2018-1634
This CVE involves a privilege escalation issue in the IBM Informix Dynamic Server Enterprise Edition 12.1 software.
What is CVE-2018-1634?
The vulnerability in IBM Informix Dynamic Server Enterprise Edition 12.1 could grant root privileges to a local user logged in with a database administrator account. It is related to a symbolic link flaw found in the infos.DBSERVERNAME file.
The Impact of CVE-2018-1634
The vulnerability has a CVSSv3 base score of 8.2 (High severity) and could lead to unauthorized privilege escalation for an attacker with local access.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-1634
This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The flaw in IBM Informix Dynamic Server Enterprise Edition 12.1 allows a local user with a database administrator account to gain root privileges through a symbolic link vulnerability in the infos.DBSERVERNAME file.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Informix Dynamic Server Enterprise Edition
- Vendor: IBM
- Version: 12.1
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attack Complexity: Low
- Attack Vector: Local
- Privileges Required: High
- User Interaction: None
- Exploit Code Maturity: Unproven
- Impact: High confidentiality, integrity, and availability
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2018-1634, follow these mitigation strategies:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply the official fix provided by IBM to patch the vulnerability.
- Restrict access to the affected system to authorized personnel only.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly monitor and audit user privileges to prevent unauthorized access.
- Educate users on secure symbolic link handling practices.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security bulletins and updates from IBM.
- Implement a robust patch management process to apply fixes promptly.