CVE-2025-36014 in Integration Bus
Summary
by MITRE • 07/07/2025
IBM Integration Bus for z/OS 10.1.0.0 through 10.1.0.5 is vulnerable to code injection by a privileged user with access to the IIB install directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/14/2025
IBM Integration Bus for z/OS version 10.1.0.0 through 10.1.0.5 contains a code injection vulnerability that allows privileged users with access to the installation directory to execute arbitrary code. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's file processing and execution routines. The flaw exists in the way the system handles file operations and command execution within the installation environment, creating opportunities for malicious code injection attacks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only privileged access to the installation directory rather than elevated system privileges, making it accessible to users who have already gained administrative-level access to the IIB environment. The affected versions demonstrate a critical weakness in the application's security architecture where proper access controls and input validation are not adequately enforced during file manipulation operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of installation directory files through a privilege escalation attack vector. Attackers with access to the IIB installation directory can inject malicious code that gets executed during normal application operations, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code" and falls within the broader category of code injection flaws. The vulnerability operates by exploiting the application's trust in local file operations and lacks proper sandboxing or code isolation mechanisms. When legitimate files are processed or executed within the installation directory, the injected code can be triggered, leading to unauthorized command execution and potential privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code injection to encompass potential data breaches, system compromise, and service disruption. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain complete control over the IBM Integration Bus environment, potentially accessing sensitive business data, modifying integration flows, or creating backdoor access points. The attack surface is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where IBM Integration Bus typically handles critical business processes and data integration tasks. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the application and could lead to unauthorized access to integration points, potentially compromising the entire enterprise integration architecture. Organizations using these vulnerable versions face significant risk of unauthorized system access and potential data exposure through this code injection vector.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the latest security patches from IBM, implementing strict access controls for the IIB installation directory, and conducting comprehensive security audits of the integration environment. Network segmentation and monitoring of file access patterns within the installation directory should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts. The recommended remediation approach includes restricting write permissions to the installation directory to only essential administrative users and implementing file integrity monitoring solutions. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing the principle of least privilege for all users with access to the IIB environment, ensuring that only necessary personnel have access to the installation directory. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, where adversaries execute malicious code through legitimate system interfaces, and represents a critical security gap that requires immediate attention from security teams.