CVE-2024-52899 Overview
CVE-2024-52899 is a code injection vulnerability affecting IBM Data Virtualization Manager for z/OS versions 1.1 and 1.2. An authenticated user can inject malicious JDBC URL parameters and execute code on the server. The flaw is classified under CWE-94, Improper Control of Generation of Code (Code Injection). Successful exploitation compromises the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected z/OS host. IBM has published an advisory with fix guidance on its IBM Support Page.
Critical Impact
An authenticated attacker can inject crafted JDBC URL parameters to execute arbitrary code on the Data Virtualization Manager server, leading to full host compromise.
Affected Products
- IBM Data Virtualization Manager for z/OS 1.1
- IBM Data Virtualization Manager for z/OS 1.2
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-11-26 - CVE-2024-52899 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-52899
Vulnerability Analysis
IBM Data Virtualization Manager for z/OS exposes JDBC connection interfaces used by clients to build virtual queries against mainframe data sources. The product does not properly validate parameters supplied within a JDBC Uniform Resource Locator (URL). An authenticated attacker can embed malicious parameters that the server interprets as executable directives rather than inert connection metadata.
Because the injected content is processed within the server-side connection pipeline, the code runs in the context of the Data Virtualization Manager process. This grants the attacker access to the underlying z/OS environment and the datasets the service can reach.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of user-controlled input placed into a JDBC URL. Under [CWE-94], the application treats attacker-influenced JDBC parameters as trusted directives. Common patterns include unsafe class-loading properties, driver-plugin references, or logging configuration parameters that permit remote resource loading during JDBC handshake.
Attack Vector
Exploitation is network-based and requires low privileges but no user interaction. An authenticated user submits a crafted connection string containing malicious JDBC parameters. When the server parses and applies those parameters, it loads or executes attacker-specified code. Consult the IBM Support Page for the vendor's technical description and fix details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-52899
Indicators of Compromise
- JDBC connection strings containing unexpected properties such as class loaders, plugin URLs, or references to external hosts.
- Data Virtualization Manager processes spawning shells, USS commands, or outbound network connections not typical for JDBC workloads.
- New or modified datasets, USS files, or PDS members created by the DVM service ID shortly after a client connection.
Detection Strategies
- Inspect DVM audit logs and SMF records for JDBC connection strings that contain non-standard URL parameters or suspicious key-value pairs.
- Correlate authenticated JDBC sessions with subsequent process creation or outbound network activity from the DVM address space.
- Alert on connection attempts from user IDs that do not normally issue JDBC queries against the Data Virtualization Manager.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose JDBC connection logging and forward SMF and syslog events to a centralized analytics platform for review.
- Baseline the set of JDBC URL parameters used by legitimate applications and flag deviations.
- Monitor privileged account usage on z/OS for anomalous session patterns tied to DVM endpoints.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-52899
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the fix referenced in the IBM advisory for Data Virtualization Manager for z/OS 1.1 and 1.2 as soon as feasible.
- Restrict network access to the DVM listener so only authorized application servers and analytics tools can reach it.
- Review and reduce the RACF, ACF2, or Top Secret privileges granted to DVM service accounts and interactive users authorized to issue JDBC queries.
Patch Information
IBM has published remediation guidance for CVE-2024-52899 on its IBM Support Page. Administrators should follow the version-specific instructions provided by IBM for Data Virtualization Manager for z/OS 1.1 and 1.2 to obtain and apply the corrective service.
Workarounds
- Enforce allowlists on client applications so only vetted JDBC URL templates are accepted, blocking arbitrary parameter injection.
- Rotate credentials for any account that has connected to DVM if compromise is suspected and revoke access for unused IDs.
- Place a network policy or reverse proxy in front of DVM to strip unexpected JDBC URL parameters before they reach the server.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
