CVE-2025-36365
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an authorization bypass vulnerability in IBM Db2 where authenticated users can execute unauthorized commands by exploiting cataloged remote storage aliases. It affects Db2 versions 11.5.0-11.5.9 and 12.1.0-12.1.3 on Linux, UNIX, and Windows systems with specific remote storage alias configurations.
💻 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
Authenticated attackers could execute arbitrary commands with elevated privileges, potentially leading to full database compromise, data exfiltration, or system takeover.
Likely Case
Authenticated users with limited permissions could escalate privileges to perform unauthorized database operations, modify data, or access restricted information.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and monitoring, impact would be limited to attempted privilege escalation that could be detected and blocked.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access and specific configuration conditions.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Apply fixes from IBM APAR IJ52623
Vendor Advisory: https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7257665
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Review IBM advisory for specific fix details. 2. Apply the fix from APAR IJ52623. 3. Restart Db2 services. 4. Verify the fix is applied.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Remove vulnerable remote storage aliases
allIdentify and remove cataloged remote storage aliases that could be exploited
db2 "list node directory"
db2 "uncatalog node <node_name>"
Restrict user permissions
allImplement least privilege access controls to limit authenticated user capabilities
db2 "revoke <privileges> from <user>"
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls and monitor for unauthorized command execution
- Disable or restrict cataloged remote storage aliases in vulnerable configurations
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Db2 version and review configuration for cataloged remote storage aliasesCheck Version:
db2levelVerify Fix Applied:
Verify APAR IJ52623 is applied and test authorization controls📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized command execution attempts
- Privilege escalation patterns
- Unexpected remote storage access
Network Indicators:
- Unusual database command traffic from authenticated users
SIEM Query:
source="db2_audit_logs" AND (event_type="command_execution" AND user NOT IN authorized_users)