CVE-2026-7769 Overview
CVE-2026-7769 is a SQL injection vulnerability affecting IBM Sterling B2B Integrator and IBM Sterling File Gateway. The flaw allows a remote authenticated attacker to submit crafted SQL statements that reach the back-end database. Successful exploitation permits reading, adding, modifying, or deleting database records. The vulnerability is tracked under CWE-89 and requires low privileges with no user interaction.
Critical Impact
A remote attacker with low-privilege access can execute arbitrary SQL statements against the back-end database, compromising the confidentiality and integrity of all data stored by Sterling B2B Integrator and Sterling File Gateway.
Affected Products
- IBM Sterling B2B Integrator 6.2.0.0 through 6.2.0.5_2, 6.2.1.0 through 6.2.1.1_2, and 6.2.2.0 through 6.2.2.0_1
- IBM Sterling File Gateway 6.2.0.0 through 6.2.0.5_2, 6.2.1.0 through 6.2.1.1_2, and 6.2.2.0 through 6.2.2.0_1
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-07-28 - CVE-2026-7769 published to the National Vulnerability Database
- 2026-07-29 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-7769
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-7769 is a SQL injection weakness (CWE-89) in the request-handling logic of IBM Sterling B2B Integrator and Sterling File Gateway. The affected components accept user-controlled input and incorporate it into SQL queries without adequate parameterization or sanitization. An attacker with a valid low-privilege account can send specially crafted parameters that alter query semantics on the back-end database.
Successful exploitation lets the attacker read arbitrary tables, insert or modify rows, and delete data. Because Sterling B2B Integrator brokers business-to-business transactions and file transfers, the database typically holds trading partner credentials, transaction records, and routing configuration. Impact extends beyond data theft to manipulation of business workflows.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands. Input arriving over the network is concatenated into database queries rather than bound as parameters. This allows syntax fragments supplied by the attacker to escape the intended query context and execute additional statements.
Attack Vector
The attack is delivered over the network against an authenticated session. The attacker submits crafted SQL fragments through request parameters exposed by the Sterling B2B Integrator or Sterling File Gateway interface. No user interaction is required, and exploitation does not depend on privileged administrative rights. See the IBM Support Page for vendor-specific detail on the affected endpoints.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-7769
Indicators of Compromise
- Application or web server logs containing SQL meta-characters such as ', --, UNION, SELECT, or ; inside request parameters targeting Sterling B2B Integrator endpoints
- Database audit logs showing unexpected SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, or DELETE statements originating from the Sterling application service account
- Unusual outbound data volume from the database host following authenticated sessions from unfamiliar source addresses
Detection Strategies
- Deploy Web Application Firewall rules that inspect request parameters to Sterling B2B Integrator and Sterling File Gateway for SQL injection signatures
- Enable database query logging and alert on queries containing tautologies, stacked statements, or references to system tables from the application account
- Correlate authentication events with anomalous query patterns to identify low-privilege accounts issuing administrative-style queries
Monitoring Recommendations
- Baseline normal query patterns from the Sterling application to the back-end database and alert on deviations
- Monitor for account enumeration or brute-force attempts against Sterling B2B Integrator, since exploitation requires valid credentials
- Review file transfer and trading partner configuration changes for entries not tied to a legitimate administrator action
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-7769
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the fixed release identified on the IBM Support Page for your Sterling B2B Integrator or Sterling File Gateway branch
- Restrict network access to Sterling B2B Integrator management and API interfaces to trusted administrative networks
- Rotate credentials for all Sterling B2B Integrator accounts and review recently created or modified accounts
Patch Information
IBM has published fix information on the IBM Support Page for CVE-2026-7769. Administrators should upgrade to the fixed level within their maintenance stream, covering the 6.2.0.x, 6.2.1.x, and 6.2.2.x branches.
Workarounds
- Place Sterling B2B Integrator behind a Web Application Firewall configured with SQL injection signatures until the patch is deployed
- Enforce least-privilege on the database account used by Sterling so that injected statements cannot reach unrelated schemas
- Disable or restrict unused Sterling B2B Integrator modules and endpoints to reduce the attack surface exposed to authenticated users
# Example: restrict management interface to a trusted admin subnet
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 5443 -s 10.20.30.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 5443 -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
