Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2020-4739 is a high-severity IBM DB2 Windows client issue. A local attacker could abuse how the client searches for DLL files to run arbitrary code if a user interacts with a compromised folder. This is not described as remotely exploitable in the source bundle.
Executive priority
Treat this as a targeted endpoint hardening and patching item, not an internet-wide emergency. Prioritize affected Windows DB2 clients used by administrators, developers, or users handling shared database files.
Technical view
IBM reports a DLL search order hijacking vulnerability affecting DB2 Accessories Suite and DB2 for Linux, UNIX and Windows, including DB2 Connect Server, versions 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, 11.1, and 11.5. The vector is local, low complexity, user interaction required, with high confidentiality and integrity impact.
Likely exposure
Exposure is most likely on Windows client systems running affected IBM DB2 or DB2 Accessories Suite versions. Server-only Linux or UNIX installations are not established as exploitable by the provided description, which specifically names the Microsoft Windows client.
Exploitation context
The bundle does not show CISA KEV listing or confirmed active exploitation. Exploitation requires local conditions and user interaction: an attacker places a crafted file in a compromised folder and relies on vulnerable DLL loading behavior.
Researcher notes
Evidence is limited to IBM and CVE records. The source bundle identifies the weakness class and affected versions but does not provide detailed fixed builds, exploit telemetry, or a CWE mapping. Avoid assuming non-Windows exploitability from the product name alone.
Mitigation direction
- Review IBM advisory 6370023 for exact affected components and fixed levels.
- Apply IBM-provided official fixes or upgrades after compatibility testing.
- Prioritize Windows DB2 client systems with interactive users or shared folders.
- Limit local user write access to application and working directories where practical.
- Monitor for suspicious DLL loads from unexpected or user-writable paths.
Validation and detection
- Inventory IBM DB2 and DB2 Accessories Suite versions on Windows endpoints.
- Confirm whether versions 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, 11.1, or 11.5 are present.
- Compare installed fix packs against IBM advisory 6370023.
- Check whether DB2 client workflows open files from shared or compromised folders.
- Review endpoint telemetry for unusual DB2-related DLL load paths.
Public sources used
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context
These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.
ATT&CK lookup starting points
Use these exact CWE pages and searches to review the Glexia ATT&CK library from this CVE's weakness and description context.
Execution behavior lookup
The CVE wording references code or command execution, so execution technique review may help defensive triage. This is a Glexia inferred lookup path, not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, or CVE Program mapping.
Open ATT&CK lookupCVE-2020-4739 mapping review
Open the CVE-to-ATT&CK bridge for reviewed, inferred, or future official mappings tied to this CVE.
Open ATT&CK lookup- Severity
- High
- CVSS
- 7.8 (3.0)
- Known Exploited
- No
- Published
Vector: CVSS:3.0/PR:N/A:H/AV:L/AC:L/UI:R/S:U/I:H/C:H/RC:C/RL:O/E:U
CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5
These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.
CVSS vector scores
1 official scoreWe collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.
CVSS:3.0/PR:N/A:H/AV:L/AC:L/UI:R/S:U/I:H/C:H/RC:C/RL:O/E:U1.85.9Primary CVE scoreVulnerability scoring details
Base CVSS 3.0 score
7.8HighVector: CVSS:3.0/PR:N/A:H/AV:L/AC:L/UI:R/S:U/I:H/C:H/RC:C/RL:O/E:U
Source materials
- CVE List V5 sourceCVE List V5
- https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/6370023CVE reference · x_refsource_CONFIRM
- ibm-db2-cve20204739-code-exec (188149)CVE reference · vdb-entry, x_refsource_XF
Products and packages named in the record
CWE details
CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.