CVE-2025-13867 Overview
IBM Db2 for Linux, UNIX and Windows (includes Db2 Connect Server) versions 11.5.0 through 11.5.9 and 12.1.0 through 12.1.3 contain a vulnerability that could allow an authenticated user to cause a denial of service due to improper neutralization of special elements in data query logic. This vulnerability (CWE-1284) relates to improper validation of specified quantity in input, enabling attackers to craft malicious queries that disrupt database availability.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can exploit this vulnerability to cause denial of service conditions, potentially disrupting critical database operations and affecting business continuity for organizations relying on IBM Db2 infrastructure.
Affected Products
- IBM Db2 for Linux 11.5.0 through 11.5.9
- IBM Db2 for Linux 12.1.0 through 12.1.3
- IBM Db2 for UNIX 11.5.0 through 11.5.9
- IBM Db2 for UNIX 12.1.0 through 12.1.3
- IBM Db2 for Windows 11.5.0 through 11.5.9
- IBM Db2 for Windows 12.1.0 through 12.1.3
- IBM Db2 Connect Server (all affected platforms)
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-02-17 - CVE-2025-13867 published to NVD
- 2026-02-18 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-13867
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of special elements within data query logic in IBM Db2. The flaw allows authenticated users to submit specially crafted queries that the database engine fails to properly validate and sanitize. When processed, these malicious queries can exhaust system resources or trigger error conditions that render the database service unavailable.
The attack is network-accessible and requires low complexity to execute, though it does require authentication. While the vulnerability does not compromise confidentiality or integrity, it poses a significant availability risk to affected Db2 installations. Organizations running production databases on affected versions face the risk of service interruption if exploited by malicious insiders or compromised accounts.
Root Cause
The root cause is classified as CWE-1284 (Improper Validation of Specified Quantity in Input). The IBM Db2 query processing engine does not adequately validate certain input quantities or special elements within query structures. This allows malformed or excessively resource-intensive queries to pass through input validation mechanisms, ultimately causing denial of service conditions when the database attempts to process them.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based, requiring an authenticated user with access to execute queries against the Db2 database. An attacker with valid credentials can craft malicious SQL queries containing special elements that exploit the improper neutralization flaw. When the database engine processes these queries, it fails to handle the special elements correctly, leading to resource exhaustion or service crashes.
The vulnerability affects the availability component without impacting data confidentiality or integrity. This means attackers cannot use this flaw to read or modify data, but can effectively shut down database services, causing operational disruption.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-13867
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected database service crashes or restarts without apparent cause
- Abnormal query patterns from authenticated user accounts, particularly queries with unusual syntax or special characters
- Elevated resource consumption (CPU, memory) associated with query processing
- Database error logs showing parsing or execution failures related to malformed queries
Detection Strategies
- Monitor database audit logs for unusual query patterns or repeated failed query executions from specific user accounts
- Implement database activity monitoring (DAM) solutions to detect anomalous query behavior
- Configure alerting for Db2 service availability and unexpected restarts
- Review authentication logs for unusual access patterns that may precede exploitation attempts
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable comprehensive Db2 audit logging to capture all query activity
- Set up real-time monitoring for database service health and availability metrics
- Configure threshold-based alerts for abnormal query execution times or resource usage
- Implement SentinelOne Singularity platform for endpoint detection to identify suspicious process behavior on database servers
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-13867
Immediate Actions Required
- Review the IBM Support Advisory for specific patch and mitigation guidance
- Audit all authenticated user accounts with database access privileges and remove unnecessary access
- Implement query monitoring to detect and block suspicious query patterns
- Ensure database backups are current and recovery procedures are tested
Patch Information
IBM has released security updates to address this vulnerability. Administrators should consult the official IBM Security Advisory for detailed patching instructions. Apply the appropriate fix pack for your Db2 version:
- For IBM Db2 11.5.x: Upgrade to a patched version as specified in the advisory
- For IBM Db2 12.1.x: Upgrade to a patched version as specified in the advisory
Workarounds
- Restrict database access to only essential authenticated users pending patch deployment
- Implement network segmentation to limit exposure of Db2 services to trusted network segments only
- Deploy application-level input validation for any applications that construct dynamic SQL queries
- Consider implementing query resource limits or governors to prevent resource exhaustion attacks
# Example: Review Db2 version to determine patch requirements
db2level
# Example: Check current database connections for auditing
db2 list applications
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
