DBADM

Enhanced Definition

`DBADM` (Database Administrator authority) is a specific authorization level within IBM Db2 for z/OS that grants a user comprehensive administrative control over a *single, designated database*. It allows the authorized user to manage all objects within that particular database, including tablespaces, tables, indexes, and views, without having system-wide Db2 administrative privileges.

Key Characteristics

- Scope: The authority is strictly confined to a single Db2 database. It does not extend to other databases or system-level Db2 functions.
- Privileges: A DBADM can CREATE, ALTER, DROP tables, indexes, views, and other objects within their assigned database. They can also LOAD, UNLOAD, REORG, COPY, and RUNSTATS on objects within that database.
- Implicit Grant: When a user with DBADM authority creates an object (e.g., a table) within their database, they implicitly receive full control (e.g., ALTER, DELETE, INSERT, SELECT, UPDATE) over that object.
- No Granting Authority: Unlike SYSADM, a DBADM cannot GRANT privileges to other users on objects within their database, nor can they REVOKE privileges that were not explicitly granted by them.
- Separation of Duties: It supports the principle of separation of duties by allowing database-specific administration to be delegated without granting full system control.
- Object Management: Enables full lifecycle management of database objects, including data definition language (DDL) operations and utility execution.

Use Cases

- Application-Specific Database Management: A lead developer or a dedicated application team member can be granted DBADM on a database specifically allocated for their application, allowing them to manage its schema and data structures independently.
- Development and Test Environments: In non-production environments, DBADM can be granted to developers to allow them to create, modify, and drop database objects as needed for testing new features or schema changes.
- Delegated Administration: For large organizations, DBADM can be used to delegate the administration of specific departmental databases to local teams, reducing the workload on central SYSADM personnel.
- Data Mart Administration: A user responsible for a specific data mart or reporting database can be given DBADM to manage the tables and views relevant to that data mart without affecting other critical production databases.

Related Concepts

DBADM is a subset of the SYSADM (System Administrator) authority, which holds complete control over the entire Db2 subsystem. While SYSADM can perform any action on any object in any database, DBADM is restricted to a single database. It is typically granted using the GRANT DBADM ON DATABASE dbname TO username SQL statement. DBADM users often interact with Db2 using tools like SPUFI, DSNTEP2, or third-party Db2 management tools to execute SQL DDL and DML statements. It works in conjunction with external security managers like RACF or ACF2 which authenticate users before Db2 checks their internal authorization levels.

Best Practices:

Principle of Least Privilege: Grant DBADM only when necessary and to the specific individuals or functional IDs that require full control over a particular database. Avoid granting it broadly.
Audit Grants: Regularly audit GRANT DBADM statements to ensure that only authorized personnel have this level of access and revoke it when no longer required.
Distinguish from SYSADM: Clearly differentiate roles and responsibilities between SYSADM and DBADM to maintain a robust security posture and prevent accidental system-wide changes.
Production vs. Non-Production: Be especially cautious when granting DBADM in production environments. In non-production, it can be more liberally used for development and testing purposes.
Documentation: Maintain clear documentation of who holds DBADM authority for which databases, including the business justification for each grant.