CVE-2026-17222 in IBM
Summary
by MITRE • 08/12/2026
IBM i 7.6, 7.5, 7.4, and 7.3 could allow a remote authenticated attacker to modify data in certain SQL tables due to improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw affecting multiple versions of ibm i operating system including versions 7.6, 7.5, 7.4, and 7.3. The weakness stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the sql processing components of the system. An attacker with valid authentication credentials can exploit this vulnerability to manipulate sql commands through specially crafted inputs that are not properly escaped or filtered before being executed against database tables. The flaw specifically manifests when the system fails to neutralize special characters and control sequences that have semantic meaning in sql syntax, allowing attackers to inject malicious sql code into existing queries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with common weakness enumeration cwe-89 which categorizes sql injection attacks as a result of insufficient input validation. This particular variant demonstrates how even authenticated users can leverage their privileges to escalate their capabilities beyond normal operational boundaries. The attack vector requires network access and valid credentials, making it particularly dangerous in environments where user accounts may be compromised or where privileged accounts are not adequately protected through proper access controls. The vulnerability impacts the integrity of database operations by allowing modification of existing records within sql tables through injected commands that bypass normal authorization checks.
Operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data modification to potentially compromise entire database systems and their associated applications. Attackers can leverage this weakness to alter critical business data, manipulate financial records, modify user permissions, or even delete important information from sql tables. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where ibm i systems often host mission-critical applications and sensitive corporate data. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues if data integrity is compromised, potentially leading to significant financial penalties and reputational damage. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access patterns or move laterally within the network infrastructure through database connections.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate implementation of input validation controls and sql parameterization techniques that prevent special characters from being interpreted as sql commands. Organizations must ensure proper database access controls are implemented with least privilege principles, limiting user permissions to only what is necessary for their operational functions. Regular security updates and patches from ibm should be applied immediately upon availability to address the underlying vulnerability. Additional protective measures include implementing database activity monitoring systems that can detect unusual sql command patterns, establishing robust network segmentation to limit access to database servers, and conducting regular penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in related systems. Security teams should also review and strengthen authentication mechanisms including multi-factor authentication and implement proper audit logging to track all database activities that could indicate exploitation attempts.