CVE-2025-36186
📋 TL;DR
IBM Db2 12.1.0 through 12.1.3 on Linux, UNIX, and Windows (including Db2 Connect Server) contains a local privilege escalation vulnerability. Under specific configurations, a local authenticated user could execute malicious code to escalate privileges to root/administrator level. This affects systems running vulnerable Db2 versions with the problematic configuration.
💻 Affected Systems
- IBM Db2
- IBM Db2 Connect Server
📦 What is this software?
Db2 by Ibm
Db2 by Ibm
Db2 by Ibm
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Local attacker gains full root/administrator control over the Db2 server, potentially compromising the entire database system and underlying operating system.
Likely Case
Malicious insider or compromised local account escalates privileges to gain unauthorized database access and potentially compromise other systems.
If Mitigated
Attack limited to authorized local users only, with minimal impact if proper access controls and monitoring are in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and specific configuration conditions. No public exploit code known at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Apply fix from IBM APAR IJ52559
Vendor Advisory: https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7250486
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Review IBM advisory for specific fix details. 2. Apply the fix from APAR IJ52559. 3. Restart Db2 services. 4. Verify the fix is applied correctly.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Local Access
allLimit local user access to Db2 servers to only authorized administrators
# Review and restrict local user accounts
# Implement least privilege access controls
Review Configuration
allCheck and modify Db2 configuration to avoid vulnerable settings mentioned in advisory
# Review Db2 configuration against IBM advisory recommendations
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit local user access to Db2 servers
- Enable detailed logging and monitoring for privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Db2 version and configuration against IBM advisory. Review if running Db2 12.1.0-12.1.3 with specific vulnerable configurations.Check Version:
db2level (on Db2 server)Verify Fix Applied:
Verify APAR IJ52559 is applied and Db2 services have been restarted. Check version and patch status.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual privilege escalation attempts
- Suspicious local user activity on Db2 servers
- Failed or successful privilege changes
Network Indicators:
- N/A - Local attack only
SIEM Query:
Search for local privilege escalation events on Db2 servers, particularly from non-admin users