CVE-2025-0966 Overview
CVE-2025-0966 is a SQL injection vulnerability affecting IBM InfoSphere Information Server 11.7. A remote authenticated attacker can submit specially crafted SQL statements to the application. Successful exploitation allows the attacker to view, add, modify, or delete information in the back-end database.
The flaw is classified under [CWE-89] (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command). It impacts deployments running on IBM AIX, Linux, and Microsoft Windows. IBM has published a support advisory addressing the issue.
Critical Impact
Authenticated remote attackers can compromise database confidentiality and integrity by injecting arbitrary SQL through InfoSphere Information Server input handlers.
Affected Products
- IBM InfoSphere Information Server 11.7
- IBM AIX, Linux, and Microsoft Windows host platforms
- Back-end databases connected to InfoSphere Information Server
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-06-25 - CVE-2025-0966 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-0966
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in input handling routines within IBM InfoSphere Information Server 11.7. The application fails to properly neutralize special elements before incorporating user-supplied input into SQL statements sent to the back-end database. An authenticated remote attacker can craft input that breaks out of the intended query context.
The attack does not require user interaction and can be executed over the network. The attacker requires low privileges, meaning any authenticated account with access to affected interfaces is sufficient. Exploitation grants the attacker the ability to read sensitive records, alter business data, or remove records from the underlying database.
The EPSS score for this vulnerability is 0.269% (percentile 18.4), reflecting current observed exploitation activity. No public proof-of-concept code has been published, and the vulnerability is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands [CWE-89]. InfoSphere Information Server constructs SQL queries by concatenating untrusted input without consistent use of parameterized statements or strict input validation. Attacker-controlled strings therefore alter query syntax and semantics.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is Network. An authenticated attacker sends crafted HTTP requests containing malicious SQL fragments to vulnerable endpoints in InfoSphere Information Server. The server passes the unsanitized input into a database query, where the injected payload executes with the privileges of the application's database account. Refer to the IBM Support Page for affected component details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-0966
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual SQL syntax patterns such as UNION SELECT, OR 1=1, --, or stacked queries in InfoSphere Information Server HTTP request parameters
- Database errors or stack traces in InfoSphere application logs correlated with unexpected parameter content
- Unexpected SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, or DELETE activity from the InfoSphere service account against tables outside normal workflows
- New or modified rows in administrative or audit tables not tied to legitimate user activity
Detection Strategies
- Enable verbose request logging on the InfoSphere web tier and inspect parameter values for SQL metacharacters and reserved keywords
- Deploy a web application firewall with signatures tuned for SQL injection payloads targeting InfoSphere endpoints
- Enable database audit logging and alert on queries originating from the InfoSphere service account that deviate from baseline query templates
- Correlate authentication events with subsequent anomalous database operations to identify low-privilege accounts abusing injection paths
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward InfoSphere application, web server, and database audit logs to a centralized SIEM for correlation and retention
- Baseline normal SQL query patterns issued by InfoSphere and alert on deviations such as schema enumeration or information_schema access
- Monitor outbound network connections from the InfoSphere host for data exfiltration following suspicious query activity
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-0966
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the fix published in the IBM Support Page for InfoSphere Information Server 11.7
- Restrict network access to InfoSphere Information Server interfaces to trusted management networks only
- Audit existing user accounts and revoke unused or excessive privileges on the application and database tiers
- Review database and application logs for historical signs of SQL injection attempts prior to patch deployment
Patch Information
IBM has published remediation guidance on its support portal. Administrators should consult the IBM Support Page for the specific interim fix or service pack applicable to InfoSphere Information Server 11.7 and apply it on all affected nodes. Validate the patch in a staging environment before rolling out to production to confirm compatibility with custom jobs and integrations.
Workarounds
- Place a web application firewall in front of InfoSphere Information Server with SQL injection rule sets enabled until patches are deployed
- Enforce least-privilege configuration on the database account used by InfoSphere, removing rights to schemas and tables not required for operation
- Require multi-factor authentication for all accounts with access to InfoSphere Information Server to raise the bar for low-privilege attackers
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
