CVE-2023-27869 Overview
CVE-2023-27869 is a code injection vulnerability in the IBM Db2 JDBC Driver for Db2 for Linux, UNIX and Windows versions 10.5, 11.1, and 11.5. The vulnerability allows a remote authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system through an unchecked logger injection. By sending a specially crafted request using the named traceFile property, an attacker could exploit this vulnerability to achieve arbitrary code execution on the target system.
Critical Impact
Remote authenticated attackers can achieve arbitrary code execution on affected IBM Db2 systems through logger injection, potentially leading to complete system compromise with high impact to confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Affected Products
- IBM Db2 10.5.0.11
- IBM Db2 11.1.4.7
- IBM Db2 11.5
- Systems running IBM Db2 on HP-UX, IBM AIX, Linux, Microsoft Windows, and Oracle Solaris
Discovery Timeline
- 2023-07-10 - CVE-2023-27869 published to NVD
- 2024-11-21 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2023-27869
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-controlled input in the JDBC driver's logging mechanism. The IBM Db2 JDBC Driver fails to properly sanitize input provided through the traceFile property, creating a code injection attack surface. When an authenticated attacker supplies a maliciously crafted value for this property, the driver processes it without adequate validation, allowing arbitrary code to be injected and executed within the context of the application using the driver.
The attack requires network access and low-privilege authentication, but no user interaction is needed to exploit the flaw. Successful exploitation grants the attacker the ability to execute arbitrary code with the same privileges as the Db2 JDBC driver process, potentially enabling complete system takeover depending on the service account configuration.
Root Cause
The root cause of CVE-2023-27869 is CWE-94 (Improper Control of Generation of Code, or Code Injection). The vulnerability exists because the IBM Db2 JDBC Driver does not properly validate or sanitize the traceFile property value before processing it within the logging subsystem. This unchecked logger injection allows attackers to inject malicious code that gets executed by the driver.
Attack Vector
The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based. An authenticated attacker can exploit this vulnerability by:
- Establishing a connection to the IBM Db2 database through the JDBC driver
- Crafting a malicious request that includes a specially formatted traceFile property value
- Sending the request to the target system where the JDBC driver processes the malicious input
- The unchecked logger injection allows the injected code to execute on the target system
The vulnerability specifically targets the trace file logging functionality, where the traceFile property is used to specify the location for trace output. By manipulating this property, attackers can inject code that gets executed during the logging process.
Detection Methods for CVE-2023-27869
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual or unexpected values in JDBC connection strings, particularly in the traceFile property
- Anomalous trace file creation in unexpected directories or with suspicious filenames
- Unexpected process spawning from Db2 JDBC driver processes
- Log entries showing malformed or suspicious traceFile configurations
Detection Strategies
- Monitor JDBC connection string parameters for injection patterns in the traceFile property
- Implement database activity monitoring to detect unusual connection configurations
- Deploy application-level logging to capture all JDBC driver property settings
- Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to identify unauthorized code execution originating from Db2 processes
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable comprehensive audit logging on IBM Db2 instances to track connection attempts and configuration changes
- Monitor for creation of unexpected trace files or writes to unusual file system locations
- Implement network traffic analysis to identify suspicious JDBC connection patterns
- Review Db2 process behavior for signs of code injection or unauthorized execution
How to Mitigate CVE-2023-27869
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the latest security patches from IBM for Db2 versions 10.5, 11.1, and 11.5 immediately
- Restrict network access to Db2 instances to only trusted authenticated users
- Review and audit all applications using the IBM Db2 JDBC Driver for secure connection string handling
- Implement network segmentation to limit exposure of Db2 database servers
- Consider disabling trace file functionality if not required for operations
Patch Information
IBM has released security patches to address this vulnerability. Detailed patch information and download links are available through the IBM Support Page. Additional technical details can be found in IBM X-Force Vulnerability #249517. Organizations using NetApp products that incorporate IBM Db2 should also review the NetApp Security Advisory NTAP-20230803-0006.
Workarounds
- Implement strict input validation at the application layer for all JDBC connection properties
- Restrict the traceFile property to predefined safe values or disable trace functionality entirely
- Deploy web application firewalls (WAF) or similar controls to filter malicious connection parameters
- Use least-privilege principles for database service accounts to limit impact if exploitation occurs
- Enable application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized code execution on database servers
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
