IBM Informix Dynamic Server SQLIDEBUG File Creation Vulnerability
01.31.08BACKGROUND
IBM Corp.'s Informix Dynamic Server is an online transaction processing data server. For more information, visit the product's homepage at the following URL.
http://www-306.ibm.com/software/data/informix/ids/
DESCRIPTION
Local exploitation of a file creation vulnerability in IBM Corp.'s Informix Dynamic Server allows attackers to elevate privileges to root.
When the SQLIDEBUG environment variable is set, several set-uid binaries will log debugging information to the specified file.
ANALYSIS
Exploitation allows local attackers to gain root privileges.
After creating the file, the file's ownership is changed to match the user and group of the executing user. As such, an attacker could create files that they own anywhere on the system.
DETECTION
iDefense confirmed the existence of this vulnerability in IBM Corp.'s Informix Dynamic Server version 10.00 UC6TL installed on a Linux system. Other versions are also suspected as vulnerable. Versions for other supported Unix systems should also be considered vulnerable.
WORKAROUND
Removing the set-uid bit from all programs included with Informix will prevent exploitation. However, this could disable some functionality for non-root users.
VENDOR RESPONSE
IBM Corp. has addressed this vulnerability with the release of version 10.00.xC8 of Informix Dynamic Server. For more information, visit the following URL.
http://www-1.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=swg27011556
CVE INFORMATION
The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the name CVE-2008-0369 to this issue. This is a candidate for inclusion in the CVE list (http://cve.mitre.org/), which standardizes names for security problems.
DISCLOSURE TIMELINE
09/01/2007 Initial vendor notification
09/13/2007 Initial vendor response
01/31/2008 Coordinated public disclosure
CREDIT
The discoverer of this vulnerability wishes to remain anonymous.
Get paid for vulnerability research
http://labs.idefense.com/methodology/vulnerability/vcp.php
Free tools, research and upcoming events
http://labs.idefense.com/
LEGAL NOTICES
Copyright © 2008 Verisign, Inc.
Permission is granted for the redistribution of this alert electronically. It may not be edited in any way without the express written consent of iDefense. If you wish to reprint the whole or any part of this alert in any other medium other than electronically, please e-mail customer service for permission.
Disclaimer: The information in the advisory is believed to be accurate at the time of publishing based on currently available information. Use of the information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition. There are no warranties with regard to this information. Neither the author nor the publisher accepts any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage arising from use of, or reliance on, this information.