CVE-2026-105464 in Db2
Summary
by MITRE • 10/12/2026
IBM Db2 11.5.0 through 11.5.9, and 12.1.0 through 12.1.5 for Linux, UNIX and Windows (includes DB2 Connect Server) could allow a local attacker to gain elevated privileges due to improper privilege management.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2026
The vulnerability identified in IBM Db2 versions 11.5.0 through 11.5.9 and 12.1.0 through 12.1.5 represents a critical security flaw rooted in the database engine's internal access control mechanisms. This issue specifically affects deployments on Linux, UNIX, Windows operating systems, including configurations utilizing DB2 Connect Server capabilities. The core of the problem lies in improper privilege management within the software architecture, which creates an avenue for local attackers to escalate their privileges beyond what is legitimately assigned by system administrators or database owners. In enterprise environments where Db2 serves as a foundational data store, such flaws can compromise the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive information stored within the databases managed by this platform.
From a technical perspective, improper privilege management often stems from errors in how the application verifies user roles, checks access tokens, or enforces separation of duties during specific operations. In the context of Db2, this may involve scenarios where certain administrative functions or internal processes fail to validate that the executing entity possesses the necessary high-level permissions before performing actions that modify system state or expose restricted data. A local attacker who has already gained a foothold on the host machine can exploit these logic errors to trick the database engine into granting elevated rights, such as SYSADM or DBADm privileges, which are typically reserved for trusted administrators. This bypasses standard authentication and authorization checks, allowing the attacker to execute commands with higher security contexts than intended by the system configuration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to its potential for privilege escalation. Once an attacker achieves elevated privileges within Db2, they gain extensive control over the database environment. This includes the ability to read, modify, or delete any data stored in the databases managed by the instance, effectively leading to a complete compromise of data confidentiality and integrity. Furthermore, with high-level administrative rights, the attacker may be able to alter security configurations, disable auditing mechanisms, install malicious extensions or triggers, and potentially leverage these privileges to pivot into other parts of the network if the database server is connected to broader infrastructure systems. This transforms a local access issue into a potential enterprise-wide breach scenario.
This vulnerability aligns with Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) category CWE-269, which covers Improper Privilege Management. It also relates closely to ATT&CK technique T1078, Valid Accounts, as the attacker leverages legitimate but insufficiently validated credentials or system access to perform unauthorized actions that mimic administrative behavior. The lack of strict enforcement during privilege checks allows the malicious actor to operate under a false sense of legitimacy within the database layer, making detection by standard security monitoring tools more challenging unless specific behavioral analytics are employed.
To mitigate this risk, organizations running affected versions of IBM Db2 must prioritize immediate patching. IBM has released updates that address these logic flaws in privilege verification processes; therefore, applying the latest cumulative fixes or service packs for both the 11.5 and 12.1 branches is essential. Beyond software updates, administrators should review their database security configurations to ensure adherence to the principle of least privilege. This involves restricting direct access to administrative accounts, enforcing multi-factor authentication where possible, and regularly auditing user permissions to identify any anomalous or overly broad assignments. Additionally, implementing robust host-based intrusion detection systems can help monitor for unusual activity patterns that might indicate an attempt to exploit this specific vulnerability before significant damage occurs.