CVE-2024-45675 is a vulnerability identified in IBM Informix Dynamic Server version 14.10, where the system improperly uses the password mechanism for primary authentication, allowing a local user to bypass password requirements and gain administrator-level access. The root cause is linked to CWE-309, which involves the use of password systems in a way that does not enforce proper authentication controls. Specifically, a local attacker with access to the host operating system can log into the Informix server without supplying a password, effectively bypassing authentication controls. This vulnerability does not require prior privileges or user interaction, making it easier to exploit once local access is obtained. The impact is severe, as an attacker can gain full administrative control over the database server, leading to potential unauthorized data access, data manipulation, or denial of service. The CVSS v3.1 score of 8.4 reflects high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity and no user interaction required. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the vulnerability's nature makes it a critical concern for environments where Informix is deployed. The lack of available patches at the time of publication necessitates immediate compensating controls to mitigate risk. This vulnerability highlights the importance of securing local system access and enforcing strict authentication mechanisms within database environments.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-45675 is significant due to the potential for unauthorized administrative access to critical database systems. Compromise of IBM Informix servers can lead to exposure of sensitive personal data, intellectual property, and business-critical information, which may result in violations of GDPR and other data protection regulations. The integrity of stored data can be undermined, enabling attackers to alter or delete records, potentially disrupting business operations or corrupting datasets used for decision-making. Availability may also be affected if attackers disable or disrupt database services. Industries such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and government agencies in Europe that rely on Informix for transactional or analytical workloads are particularly vulnerable. The local access requirement means that insider threats or attackers who have gained foothold on internal networks pose the greatest risk. The reputational damage and regulatory penalties associated with data breaches in Europe further amplify the consequences of this vulnerability.

1. Restrict local system access to trusted administrators only, employing strict access controls and monitoring to prevent unauthorized users from gaining local access to servers running Informix. 2. Implement host-based intrusion detection and prevention systems (HIDS/HIPS) to detect suspicious activities related to Informix server logins. 3. Audit and review user accounts and permissions regularly to ensure no unauthorized or unnecessary accounts exist on the system. 4. Employ multi-factor authentication (MFA) at the operating system level to reduce the risk of unauthorized local access. 5. Monitor Informix server logs for unusual login attempts or access patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. 6. Segregate database servers in isolated network segments with strict firewall rules to limit exposure. 7. Engage with IBM support or security advisories for any forthcoming patches or official mitigations and apply them promptly once available. 8. Consider deploying application-layer encryption and data masking to protect sensitive data even if administrative access is compromised. 9. Conduct regular security training for system administrators to recognize and respond to potential exploitation attempts. 10. Develop and test incident response plans specific to database compromise scenarios.