CVE-2023-38720 : What You Need to Know

IBM Db2 for Linux, UNIX and Windows (includes Db2 Connect Server) version 11.5 is vulnerable to a denial of service attack when processing a specially crafted ALTER TABLE statement. This vulnerability has been identified with IBM X-Force ID: 261616.

Understanding CVE-2023-38720

This section will cover the details and impact of the IBM Db2 denial of service vulnerability.

What is CVE-2023-38720?

IBM Db2 for Linux, UNIX and Windows 11.5 is susceptible to a denial of service attack triggered by a specifically designed ALTER TABLE statement. This allows an attacker to disrupt the service availability of the affected systems.

The Impact of CVE-2023-38720

The vulnerability poses a medium severity risk with a CVSS base score of 5.3. It can result in a high impact on the availability of the system affected by IBM Db2 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows version 11.5.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-38720

In this section, we will delve into the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in IBM Db2 for Linux, UNIX and Windows 11.5 can be exploited through a specially crafted ALTER TABLE statement, leading to a denial of service condition.

Affected Systems and Versions

IBM Db2 for Linux, UNIX and Windows version 11.5 is confirmed to be affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability is triggered by sending a malicious ALTER TABLE statement to the targeted IBM Db2 server, causing it to become unresponsive and resulting in a denial of service condition.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-38720, it is crucial to take immediate steps and implement long-term security practices:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the security patch provided by IBM to address the vulnerability in Db2 for Linux, UNIX and Windows version 11.5.
Monitor system logs for any unusual activities or attempted exploitation of this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch IBM Db2 software to prevent potential vulnerabilities.
Conduct routine security assessments and audits to identify and address any security gaps in the environment.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and advisories from IBM to ensure that the systems running IBM Db2 are always up-to-date and protected.