CVE-2023-47145: Local Privilege Escalation in IBM Db2 via MSI Repair Functionality

Overview

The CVE-2023-47145 vulnerability deals with a potentially severe security flaw found in IBM’s Db2 for Windows, which also includes Db2 Connect Server. The versions affected by this vulnerability are 10.5, 11.1, and 11.5. This vulnerability could allow a local user to escalate their privileges to the SYSTEM user utilizing MSI repair functionality, potentially leading to system compromise or data leakage. In today’s digital age, this kind of vulnerability is particularly alarming, with potential detrimental effects on data privacy, data integrity, and overall system security.

Vulnerability Summary

CVE ID: CVE-2023-47145
Severity: High (8.4 CVSS Severity Score)
Attack Vector: Local
Privileges Required: Low
User Interaction: Required
Impact: Potential system compromise or data leakage

Affected Products

Product | Affected Versions

IBM Db2 for Windows (includes Db2 Connect Server) | 10.5, 11.1, 11.5

How the Exploit Works

The exploit works by leveraging the MSI repair functionality within the affected IBM Db2 versions. The local user can manipulate the repair function to escalate their privileges to that of the SYSTEM user. Once the privileges are escalated, the user gains full control over the system, enabling them to manipulate data, compromise system security, install malicious software, or potentially export sensitive information.

Conceptual Example Code

Here’s a conceptual example of how this vulnerability might be exploited. Please note, this is not actual code but a conceptual representation:

# Start MSI repair functionality
start /wait msiexec /fa IBM_DB2.msi
# Malicious command to escalate privileges to SYSTEM user
echo malicious_command > %SYSTEMROOT%\Temp\IBM_DB2_repair.bat
# Trigger the execution of the malicious command
start /wait msiexec /fa IBM_DB2.msi

In this example, the attacker initiates the MSI repair functionality (`msiexec /fa IBM_DB2.msi`), then writes a malicious command to a batch file (`IBM_DB2_repair.bat`) stored in the temporary directory. The malicious command is designed to escalate the user’s privileges to that of the SYSTEM user. The attacker then triggers the repair functionality again, this time executing the malicious command, leading to the escalation of privileges.
Please note that this is a conceptual example and does not represent a real-world exploit. The actual methods used by an attacker may differ and depend on multiple factors, including system configuration and security controls in place.