CVE-2020-4386 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

IBM DB2 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows versions 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, 11.1, and 11.5 are affected by a vulnerability that could allow a local user to obtain sensitive information through a race condition of a symbolic link.

Understanding CVE-2020-4386

IBM DB2 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows versions 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, 11.1, and 11.5 are impacted by a security flaw that could lead to information disclosure.

What is CVE-2020-4386?

This CVE refers to a vulnerability in IBM DB2 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows that enables a local user to access sensitive data by exploiting a race condition in a symbolic link.

The Impact of CVE-2020-4386

The vulnerability poses a medium-severity risk with a CVSS base score of 6.2, allowing unauthorized access to high-confidentiality information.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-4386

IBM DB2 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows versions 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, 11.1, and 11.5 are susceptible to a security issue that facilitates information disclosure.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in IBM DB2 allows a local user to exploit a race condition in a symbolic link, potentially leading to the unauthorized retrieval of sensitive data.

Affected Systems and Versions

DB2 for Linux- UNIX and Windows 9.7
DB2 for Linux- UNIX and Windows 10.1
DB2 for Linux- UNIX and Windows 10.5
DB2 for Linux- UNIX and Windows 11.1
DB2 for Linux- UNIX and Windows 11.5

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by a local user through a race condition in a symbolic link, enabling the unauthorized access to confidential information.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take:

Apply official fixes provided by IBM to address the vulnerability.
Monitor and restrict local user access to sensitive data to prevent exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch IBM DB2 installations to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Implement least privilege access controls to limit user permissions and reduce the attack surface.
Conduct security training for users to raise awareness about potential risks and best practices.

Patching and Updates

IBM has released official fixes to address the CVE-2020-4386 vulnerability. Ensure timely application of these patches to secure the DB2 installations.