CVE-2018-1781 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

IBM DB2 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows versions 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, and 11.1 may allow a local user to gain privileged access through a symbolic link attack. This vulnerability was identified by IBM X-Force.

Understanding CVE-2018-1781

IBM DB2 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows versions 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, and 11.1 could be exploited by a local user to escalate privileges using a symbolic link attack.

What is CVE-2018-1781?

CVE-2018-1781 is a vulnerability in IBM DB2 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows versions 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, and 11.1 that could allow a local user to gain privileged access by manipulating files through a symbolic link attack.

The Impact of CVE-2018-1781

CVSS Base Score: 8.4 (High)
CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.0/A:H/AC:L/AV:L/C:H/I:H/PR:N/S:U/UI:N/E:U/RC:C/RL:O
Confidentiality Impact: High
Integrity Impact: High
Availability Impact: High
Attack Vector: Local
Privileges Required: None
Exploit Code Maturity: Unproven
Report Confidence: Confirmed
Temporal Score: 7.3 (High)
Scope: Unchanged
The vulnerability could potentially lead to unauthorized privileged access for local users.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-1781

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in IBM DB2 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows versions 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, and 11.1 allows a local user to gain root access by exploiting a symbolic link attack to access restricted files.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Versions: 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, 11.1
Product: DB2 for Linux, UNIX and Windows
Vendor: IBM

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited through a symbolic link attack, enabling unauthorized users to manipulate files they were initially restricted from accessing.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply official fixes provided by IBM to address the vulnerability.
Monitor and restrict local user access to critical files and directories.
Educate users on the risks of symbolic link attacks and file manipulation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege to limit user access rights.
Regularly update and patch IBM DB2 to ensure the latest security fixes are in place.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by IBM for DB2.