CVE-2025-13867
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in IBM Db2 allows authenticated users to cause denial of service by exploiting improper input sanitization in data query logic. It affects Db2 versions 11.5.0-11.5.9 and 12.1.0-12.1.3 on Linux, UNIX, and Windows systems. Attackers with database credentials can disrupt database availability.
💻 Affected Systems
- IBM Db2 for Linux, UNIX and Windows
- IBM Db2 Connect Server
📦 What is this software?
Db2 by Ibm
Db2 by Ibm
Db2 by Ibm
Db2 by Ibm
Db2 by Ibm
Db2 by Ibm
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete database unavailability affecting all dependent applications and services, requiring database restart or recovery procedures.
Likely Case
Partial or intermittent database service disruption affecting specific queries or connections, degrading application performance.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper authentication controls and query monitoring in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires authenticated access and knowledge of specific query patterns to trigger the vulnerability.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Apply fixes from IBM: 11.5.9.0a and 12.1.3.0a or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7259963
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download appropriate fix from IBM Fix Central. 2. Apply fix following IBM Db2 update procedures. 3. Restart Db2 instance. 4. Verify version with db2level command.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Database User Privileges
allLimit authenticated users to minimal necessary privileges to reduce attack surface.
REVOKE EXECUTE ON PROCEDURE <procedure_name> FROM <user>
REVOKE SELECT ON TABLE <table_name> FROM <user>
Implement Query Monitoring
allMonitor and alert on unusual query patterns that could trigger the vulnerability.
db2pd -db <dbname> -dynamic
db2 get snapshot for database on <dbname>
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict principle of least privilege for all database users
- Deploy network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict database access to trusted sources only
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Db2 version with db2level command and compare against affected versions 11.5.0-11.5.9 or 12.1.0-12.1.3.Check Version:
db2levelVerify Fix Applied:
Run db2level command and verify version is 11.5.9.0a or later, or 12.1.3.0a or later.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected database crashes or restarts
- Error messages related to query processing failures
- High CPU/memory usage spikes from database processes
Network Indicators:
- Increased failed connection attempts to database
- Unusual query patterns from authenticated users
SIEM Query:
source="db2*" AND (event_type="crash" OR error_code="SQL*" OR message="*denial*" OR message="*service*" OR message="*query*")