Security Bulletin: Buffer overrun vulnerability when executing unspecified SQL statements in IBM Informix (CVE-2012-4857)

Abstract

A malicious user who has (or manages to gain) access as an authenticated user and connects (either locally or remotely) to the Informix database server can cause a buffer overflow that crashes the Informix database server or allows arbitrary code to be executed within the Informix database server process.

Content

VULNERABILITY DETAILS:

CVE ID: CVE-2012-4857

DESCRIPTION:
A vulnerability has been identified in Informix that allows a malicious user who has (or manages to gain) access as an authenticated user and connects (either locally or remotely) to the database server and executes unspecified SQL statements to either (a) crash the Informix database server or (b) execute arbitrary code within the Informix database server process.

CVSS:
CVSS Base Score: 9
CVSS Temporal Score: See <https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/79737&gt; for the current score
CVSS Environmental Score*: Undefined
CVSS String: (AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C)

AFFECTED PLATFORMS:
All IBM Informix versions 11.50 prior to and including 11.50.xC9W2 – all platforms
All IBM Informix versions 11.70 prior to 11.70.xC7 – all platforms

This vulnerability affects only the following Informix products (informally known as “Informix Servers”):

• IBM Informix Choice Edition
• IBM Informix Developer Edition
• IBM Informix Express Edition
• IBM Informix Growth Edition
• IBM Informix Growth Warehouse Edition
• IBM Informix Innovator-C Edition
• IBM Informix Ultimate Edition
• IBM Informix Ultimate Warehouse Edition

**
REMEDIATION:**

Fix(es):
Upgrade to a version of Informix with the fix (later than 11.50.xC9W2; 11.70.xC7 or later). Obtain the appropriate version from Fix Central or contact IBM Support for assistance. Go here for the list of 11.50 versions including download links.

Workaround(s):
Go here for the workaround.

Mitigation(s):
None known.

REFERENCES:

• Complete CVSS Guide
• On-line Calculator V2
• CVE-2012-4857
• _X-Force Vulnerability Database _

RELATED INFORMATION:
_IBM Secure Engineering Web Portal _
IBM Product Security Incident Response Blog

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
The vulnerability was reported to IBM by IOActive Inc.

CHANGE HISTORY:
05 December 2012: Original copy published

*_The CVSS Environment Score is customer environment specific and will ultimately impact the Overall CVSS Score. Customers can evaluate the impact of this vulnerability in their environments by accessing the links in the Reference section of this Flash. _

Note: According to the Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST), the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) is an “industry open standard designed to convey vulnerability severity and help to determine urgency and priority of response.” IBM PROVIDES THE CVSS SCORES “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. CUSTOMERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF ANY ACTUAL OR POTENTIAL SECURITY VULNERABILITY.

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