CVE-2026-10535 in Db2
Summary
by MITRE • 07/30/2026
IBM Db2 11.5.0 through 11.5.9, and 12.1.0 through 12.1.4 is vulnerable to buffer overflow in setgid helper db2flacc.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2026
The vulnerability exists within IBM Db2 database management system versions 11.5.0 through 11.5.9 and 12.1.0 through 12.1.4, specifically affecting the setgid helper program db2flacc. This buffer overflow condition represents a critical security flaw that can be exploited to compromise the integrity and confidentiality of database systems. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the db2flacc utility, which operates with elevated privileges due to its setgid functionality, making it a prime target for privilege escalation attacks.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the db2flacc helper program processes user-supplied input without adequate bounds checking. This allows attackers to craft malicious input that exceeds the allocated buffer space, resulting in memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the db2flacc process. The setgid nature of this utility means it runs with elevated permissions typically reserved for database administrators, creating a significant escalation path for potential attackers who can exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data and system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and data exfiltration. Database administrators face the risk of unauthorized access to confidential information stored within Db2 instances, including customer data, financial records, and proprietary business information. The vulnerability also affects database availability through potential denial-of-service conditions that may occur when buffer overflows corrupt system memory or cause process crashes, disrupting critical business operations that depend on database connectivity.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches from IBM to address this vulnerability, as well as implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected Db2 instances. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 buffer overflow conditions and can be mapped to ATT&CK techniques such as privilege escalation through setuid/setgid binaries, where attackers exploit programs running with elevated privileges to gain unauthorized system access. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their database environments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and monitor for suspicious activities that may indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability.
The affected versions of IBM Db2 represent a significant security risk that requires immediate attention from security teams and database administrators. The combination of the buffer overflow flaw with the setgid privileges creates an environment where attackers can potentially achieve complete system compromise, making proactive remediation essential to maintain database security posture and protect against sophisticated attack vectors targeting enterprise database infrastructure.