CVE-2021-29703 : Security Advisory and Response

DB2 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows, including DB2 Connect Server, is vulnerable to a denial of service (DoS) attack due to abnormal termination when executing a specially crafted SELECT statement. This CVE was published on June 23, 2021, by IBM.

Understanding CVE-2021-29703

This section provides insights into the vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-29703?

CVE-2021-29703 affects IBM's DB2 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows, potentially leading to a DoS situation. The vulnerability was identified with IBM X-Force ID: 200659.

The Impact of CVE-2021-29703

The vulnerability in DB2 can be exploited remotely with a low attack complexity. It poses a high availability impact, resulting in a denial of service condition, while not requiring any user privileges.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-29703

In this section, we delve into the specifics of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows attackers to trigger abnormal server termination by executing a specially crafted SELECT statement in DB2.

Affected Systems and Versions

Versions 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, 11.1, and 11.5 of DB2 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows are affected by this CVE.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited through a network-based attack vector, requiring no user interaction.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-29703, immediate and long-term measures are necessary.

Immediate Steps to Take

System administrators should apply the official fix provided by IBM to mitigate the vulnerability and prevent DoS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor security advisories, update DB2 installations, and follow best practices to enhance system security.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates from IBM and apply patches promptly to secure DB2 installations against potential threats.