CVE-2026-17181 in Db2 Mirror for i
Summary
by MITRE • 08/14/2026
IBM Db2 Mirror for i 7.4, 7.5, and 7.6 could allow a remote attacker to write files to arbitrary locations due to path traversal.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/14/2026
This vulnerability exists in IBM Db2 Mirror for i versions 7.4, 7.5, and 7.6, representing a critical path traversal flaw that enables remote attackers to write files to arbitrary system locations. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the file handling mechanisms of the database mirroring component, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths through specially crafted requests. When the system processes these malformed inputs, it fails to properly sanitize or validate the destination paths, thereby permitting unauthorized file creation or modification in directories outside the intended scope.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-73 Path Traversal in File Names or Directories, which are well-documented weaknesses in software systems that fail to properly validate user-supplied input before using it in file operations. Attackers can exploit this flaw by constructing malicious requests that include directory traversal sequences such as "../" or similar constructs that bypass normal access controls. This vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter where adversaries leverage system commands to manipulate file systems, potentially leading to privilege escalation or data exfiltration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with persistent access to critical system resources and enables them to modify or create files in sensitive locations. Remote exploitation means that attackers do not require physical access or local privileges to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous for database environments where administrative access is restricted. The affected IBM Db2 Mirror for i components are commonly used in enterprise environments for data synchronization and backup operations, making this vulnerability especially impactful for organizations relying on these systems.
Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided security patches and updates to address this path traversal vulnerability. System administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of database services to untrusted networks. Additional mitigations include monitoring file system modifications and implementing proper input validation mechanisms within applications that interact with Db2 Mirror for i components. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other database systems and ensure comprehensive protection against file traversal attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all user inputs and implementing proper access controls when handling file operations in enterprise database environments.