IBM Informix Dynamic Server onedcu 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.
The set-uid root "onedcu" command requires six parameters to be specified when it is executed. The second parameter is a "Trace" file that this program will open and write to with elevated privileges.
ANALYSIS
Exploitation allows local attackers to gain root privileges.
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 the "onedcu" program 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-2008-0368 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.
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