CVE-2025-36425 Overview
CVE-2025-36425 is an information disclosure vulnerability affecting IBM Db2 for Linux, UNIX and Windows (includes Db2 Connect Server). The vulnerability exists in versions 11.5.0 through 11.5.9 and 12.1.0 through 12.1.3, where an authenticated user could obtain sensitive information under specific High Availability Disaster Recovery (HADR) configuration scenarios.
This vulnerability is classified under CWE-256 (Plaintext Storage of a Password), indicating that sensitive credential data may be exposed in an insecure manner when HADR features are configured in a specific way.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers with network access can exploit this vulnerability to extract sensitive information from IBM Db2 database systems configured with HADR, potentially compromising database credentials and confidential data.
Affected Products
- IBM Db2 for Linux, UNIX and Windows 11.5.0 through 11.5.9
- IBM Db2 for Linux, UNIX and Windows 12.1.0 through 12.1.3
- IBM Db2 Connect Server (all affected versions above)
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-02-17 - CVE-2025-36425 published to NVD
- 2026-02-18 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-36425
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability allows authenticated users to access sensitive information in IBM Db2 environments configured with High Availability Disaster Recovery (HADR). The flaw relates to improper handling of credentials or sensitive configuration data within the HADR subsystem, potentially exposing this information to users who should not have access to it.
The vulnerability requires network access and low-privilege authentication to exploit, meaning any authenticated database user could potentially leverage this flaw to obtain sensitive data. The impact is limited to confidentiality—there is no integrity or availability impact associated with this vulnerability.
The root cause relates to CWE-256 (Plaintext Storage of a Password), suggesting that credentials or sensitive configuration parameters within the HADR configuration may be stored or transmitted without adequate protection.
Root Cause
The vulnerability stems from improper handling of sensitive information within IBM Db2's HADR configuration subsystem. Specifically, the flaw appears to involve the plaintext storage or inadequate protection of credentials that can be accessed by authenticated users with standard privileges. When HADR is configured in a specific manner, the system fails to properly restrict access to sensitive configuration data, allowing lower-privileged users to retrieve information intended only for administrative access.
Attack Vector
The attack vector for CVE-2025-36425 is network-based, requiring the attacker to have authenticated access to the IBM Db2 database system. The exploitation process involves:
- The attacker establishes a legitimate authenticated connection to the IBM Db2 database
- The attacker queries or accesses HADR-related configuration data or system tables
- Due to improper access controls, sensitive information is returned to the authenticated user
- The attacker obtains credentials or other sensitive data they should not have access to
The vulnerability is exploitable with low attack complexity and requires no user interaction, making it relatively straightforward for any authenticated user to exploit in vulnerable environments.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-36425
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual queries against HADR configuration tables or system views from non-administrative accounts
- Increased access to database configuration metadata by standard users
- Anomalous export or extraction of database configuration data
- Authentication attempts using credentials that may have been harvested from HADR configuration data
Detection Strategies
- Monitor database audit logs for queries accessing HADR-related configuration data from non-administrative accounts
- Implement database activity monitoring (DAM) to detect unusual access patterns to sensitive system tables
- Review authentication logs for credential misuse that may indicate harvested credentials are being exploited
- Deploy SentinelOne Singularity to detect and correlate suspicious database access patterns
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable comprehensive audit logging for all access to HADR configuration data
- Configure alerts for non-administrative users attempting to access sensitive system tables
- Implement real-time monitoring of database authentication events to detect potential credential theft exploitation
- Regularly review user privilege levels to ensure principle of least privilege is maintained
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-36425
Immediate Actions Required
- Review and restrict access to HADR configuration data to only necessary administrative accounts
- Audit current user privileges and remove unnecessary access rights from standard database users
- Enable enhanced auditing on HADR-related configuration access
- Apply IBM security patches as soon as they become available
Patch Information
IBM has released security updates to address this vulnerability. Organizations should apply the appropriate patch for their IBM Db2 version. Detailed patch information and download links are available from the IBM Support Page.
It is recommended to upgrade to the latest patched versions of IBM Db2:
- For version 11.5.x: Apply the latest cumulative fix pack addressing CVE-2025-36425
- For version 12.1.x: Apply the latest cumulative fix pack addressing CVE-2025-36425
Workarounds
- Restrict network access to IBM Db2 instances to only trusted networks and hosts
- Implement strict role-based access control (RBAC) to limit which users can access HADR configuration data
- Use database firewalls or activity monitoring solutions to detect and block suspicious queries
- Consider temporarily disabling HADR if not critical while waiting for patch deployment in high-risk environments
# Example: Restrict database access to administrative users only
# Review current user authorities
db2 "SELECT GRANTEE, DBADMAUTH, ACCESSCTRLAUTH, DATAACCESSAUTH, SECURITYADMAUTH FROM SYSCAT.DBAUTH WHERE GRANTEE NOT LIKE 'SYSIBM%'"
# Revoke unnecessary privileges from non-admin users
db2 "REVOKE DBADM ON DATABASE FROM USER standard_user"
# Enable audit logging for sensitive operations
db2audit configure scope all status both
db2audit start
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
