I. BACKGROUND
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/
II. 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.
III. 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.
IV. 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.
V. 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.
VI. 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
VII. 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.
VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE
09/01/2007 Initial vendor notification
09/13/2007 Initial vendor response
01/31/2008 Coordinated public disclosure
IX. CREDIT
The discoverer of this vulnerability wishes to remain anonymous.
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X. LEGAL NOTICES
Copyright © 2008 iDefense, 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.
