CVE-2013-4058 in InfoSphere Information Server
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in IBM InfoSphere Information Server 8.x through 8.5 FP3, 8.7.x through 8.7 FP2, and 9.1.x through 9.1.2.0 allow remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified interfaces.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4058 represents a critical security flaw affecting IBM InfoSphere Information Server versions spanning multiple release lines including 8.x through 8.5 FP3, 8.7.x through 8.7 FP2, and 9.1.x through 9.1.2.0. This SQL injection vulnerability exists within unspecified interfaces of the information server platform, creating a pathway for remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database systems. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental weakness in input validation and query construction mechanisms that directly violates security principles established in the OWASP Top Ten and CWE-89 standards. The vulnerability's classification as a remote authenticated attack vector indicates that exploitation requires legitimate user credentials, yet the impact remains severe as it allows attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and directly manipulate database operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user inputs passed through various interfaces within the IBM InfoSphere Information Server environment. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious SQL payloads that are subsequently executed against backend databases without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. The affected interfaces likely include administrative panels, data integration components, and reporting modules where user-provided parameters are directly incorporated into SQL queries. This flaw operates at the application layer and can be classified under the ATT&CK framework as a SQL Injection technique (T1071.005) with potential for privilege escalation and data exfiltration. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple major versions indicates a systemic issue in the platform's security architecture rather than an isolated incident, suggesting that the root cause lies in core database interaction libraries or query building components.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-4058 extends far beyond simple data manipulation capabilities, as successful exploitation can result in complete database compromise, unauthorized data access, and potential system-wide infiltration. Organizations utilizing affected IBM InfoSphere Information Server versions face significant risks including data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and operational disruption. The vulnerability's presence in information server platforms specifically targets data integration and governance environments where sensitive enterprise data resides, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to access critical business information. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract confidential data, modify database schemas, create backdoor accounts, or perform other malicious activities that could compromise the integrity and availability of enterprise information systems. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors do not require physical access to the network, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in cloud-based or distributed environments.
Organizations must implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability including applying the latest security patches from IBM, implementing network segmentation to limit access to affected systems, and conducting comprehensive input validation across all interfaces. The recommended remediation strategy involves upgrading to patched versions of IBM InfoSphere Information Server as specified in IBM security advisories, while simultaneously implementing database activity monitoring and intrusion detection systems to detect potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and input sanitization measures at network boundaries to provide additional defense-in-depth layers. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and demonstrates the critical need for continuous vulnerability assessment programs. Organizations should also review their access control policies to ensure that only necessary users have administrative privileges, as the vulnerability requires authenticated access to exploit effectively. Additionally, regular security testing including penetration testing and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and systems within the enterprise environment.