CVE-2018-1834 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A vulnerability in IBM DB2 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows versions 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, and 11.1 could allow a local user to elevate privileges to root through a symbolic link attack.

Understanding CVE-2018-1834

This CVE involves a privilege escalation vulnerability in IBM DB2 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows.

What is CVE-2018-1834?

IBM DB2 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows versions 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, and 11.1 are affected by a vulnerability that enables a local user to potentially escalate their privileges to root using a symbolic link attack.

The Impact of CVE-2018-1834

CVSS Base Score: 7.4 (High)
CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.0/A:H/AC:H/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
Privileges Required: None
Exploit Code Maturity: Unproven
User Interaction: None
Remediation Level: Official Fix
Report Confidence: Confirmed
Temporal Score: 6.4 (Medium)

Technical Details of CVE-2018-1834

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows a local user to escalate their privileges to root through a symbolic link attack in IBM DB2 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows.

Affected Systems and Versions

IBM DB2 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows 9.7
IBM DB2 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows 10.1
IBM DB2 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows 10.5
IBM DB2 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows 11.1

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by a local user to perform a symbolic link attack and gain root privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address and prevent the CVE-2018-1834 vulnerability, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply official fixes provided by IBM.
Monitor IBM's security advisories for updates.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user access.
Regularly review and update security configurations.
Conduct security training for users on symbolic link attacks.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates from IBM.