CVE-2025-13688 in DataStage on Cloud Pak for Data
Summary
by MITRE • 03/03/2026
IBM DataStage on Cloud Pak for Data 5.1.2 through 5.3.0 could allow an authenticated user to execute arbitrary commands with normal user privileges on the system due to improper validation of user supplied input through the wrapped command component.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/06/2026
This vulnerability exists within IBM DataStage running on Cloud Pak for Data versions 5.1.2 through 5.3.0, representing a critical command injection flaw that enables authenticated users to execute arbitrary system commands with standard user privileges. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the wrapped command component, which fails to properly sanitize or validate user-supplied data before incorporating it into system execution contexts. This flaw directly aligns with CWE-77 which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in a command, specifically manifesting as command injection vulnerabilities that allow attackers to execute unintended commands on the target system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an authenticated user to manipulate input parameters that are subsequently passed to system commands without proper sanitization. When user data flows through the wrapped command component, it bypasses security controls that should normally prevent arbitrary command execution. This creates a pathway where maliciously crafted input can be interpreted by the system shell and executed as legitimate commands, effectively granting the authenticated user the ability to perform operations within the system's security context. The vulnerability operates at the application layer where user inputs are processed and transformed into system-level operations, making it particularly dangerous as it leverages legitimate application functionality to achieve unauthorized access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides an attacker with the capability to perform reconnaissance, data exfiltration, and system manipulation within the boundaries of normal user privileges. An authenticated attacker could potentially access sensitive data, modify system configurations, or establish persistence mechanisms within the DataStage environment. This vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the system as it allows for unauthorized execution of commands that could compromise the underlying infrastructure. The risk is elevated because the attack requires only authentication, which is often easier to obtain than exploiting unauthenticated vulnerabilities, making this a significant concern for organizations relying on IBM DataStage for data processing and integration.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the latest security patches provided by IBM to address this vulnerability in affected versions. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit the scope of potential exploitation. Input validation should be enhanced at all entry points to prevent malicious data from reaching the command execution components. The implementation of principle of least privilege should be enforced to ensure that user accounts have minimal necessary permissions. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual command execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to industry standards such as those recommended in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework to prevent similar issues in future development cycles. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting and runtime application self-protection mechanisms to provide additional defense in depth against command injection attacks.