CVE-2025-36365 Overview
CVE-2025-36365 is an authorization bypass vulnerability affecting IBM Db2 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows, including Db2 Connect Server. The vulnerability exists in versions 11.5.0 through 11.5.9 and 12.1.0 through 12.1.3 when specific configurations of cataloged remote storage aliases are in use. An authenticated user can exploit this flaw to execute unauthorized commands by leveraging a user-controlled key, effectively bypassing authorization controls.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can bypass authorization controls to execute unauthorized commands, potentially leading to full compromise of database confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Affected Products
- IBM Db2 for Linux 11.5.0 - 11.5.9
- IBM Db2 for Linux 12.1.0 - 12.1.3
- IBM Db2 for UNIX 11.5.0 - 11.5.9
- IBM Db2 for UNIX 12.1.0 - 12.1.3
- IBM Db2 for Windows 11.5.0 - 11.5.9
- IBM Db2 for Windows 12.1.0 - 12.1.3
- IBM Db2 Connect Server (affected versions)
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-01-30 - CVE-2025-36365 published to NVD
- 2026-02-05 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-36365
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified as CWE-639: Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key. The flaw occurs when IBM Db2 improperly validates authorization for operations involving cataloged remote storage aliases. Under specific configurations, the system relies on a key that can be manipulated by authenticated users, allowing them to bypass intended access restrictions and execute commands they should not have permission to perform.
The attack requires network access and authentication to the Db2 system, though the complexity of exploitation is considered high due to the specific configuration requirements. Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized command execution with potential impacts to confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the database system.
Root Cause
The root cause stems from improper authorization validation in Db2's handling of cataloged remote storage aliases. When these aliases are configured in a specific manner, the authorization mechanism relies on a user-controlled key to determine access permissions. This design flaw allows authenticated users to manipulate this key value, effectively bypassing the authorization checks that should restrict their command execution capabilities.
Attack Vector
The vulnerability is exploitable over the network by authenticated users. The attack scenario involves:
- An attacker authenticates to a vulnerable IBM Db2 instance
- The attacker identifies or targets environments with cataloged remote storage aliases configured
- By manipulating the user-controlled key associated with the authorization process, the attacker bypasses access restrictions
- The attacker executes unauthorized commands that would normally be denied based on their privilege level
The attack does not require user interaction but does depend on specific configuration conditions being present, which contributes to the high attack complexity rating.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-36365
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual command execution patterns from authenticated users with limited privileges
- Anomalous access to remote storage aliases by users who should not have such permissions
- Unexpected modifications to database objects or configurations
- Audit log entries showing authorization-sensitive operations from low-privileged accounts
Detection Strategies
- Enable comprehensive Db2 audit logging to capture all command executions and authorization decisions
- Implement database activity monitoring (DAM) solutions to detect privilege escalation attempts
- Review and alert on access patterns to cataloged remote storage aliases
- Deploy SentinelOne Singularity to monitor for suspicious process behavior on database servers
Monitoring Recommendations
- Establish baseline behavior for authenticated user activities and alert on deviations
- Monitor for unauthorized access attempts to remote storage alias configurations
- Configure real-time alerting for command execution by users outside their normal privilege scope
- Regularly review Db2 diagnostic logs for authorization-related errors or anomalies
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-36365
Immediate Actions Required
- Review all cataloged remote storage alias configurations in your Db2 environment
- Apply the security patch from IBM as soon as it becomes available for your version
- Audit user permissions and restrict access to remote storage alias functionality to only required accounts
- Implement network segmentation to limit which systems can connect to Db2 instances
- Enable enhanced audit logging to detect potential exploitation attempts
Patch Information
IBM has released a security advisory addressing this vulnerability. Administrators should consult the IBM Security Advisory for specific patch details and upgrade instructions for affected versions (11.5.0 - 11.5.9 and 12.1.0 - 12.1.3).
Workarounds
- Review and restrict the use of cataloged remote storage aliases where possible
- Implement strict access controls limiting which users can interact with remote storage configurations
- Apply principle of least privilege to all Db2 user accounts
- Consider temporarily disabling or removing unnecessary remote storage alias configurations until patches are applied
- Use network-level controls to restrict access to Db2 instances from trusted hosts only
# Example: Review current remote storage alias configurations
db2 list db directory
db2 list node directory
# Audit user authorizations
db2 "SELECT GRANTOR, GRANTEE, TABSCHEMA, TABNAME, CONTROLAUTH, ALTERAUTH FROM SYSCAT.TABAUTH"
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
