CVE-2026-17418 in IBM
Summary
by MITRE • 08/12/2026
IBM i 7.6, 7.5, 7.4, and 7.3 could allow a local authenticated attacker to cause a denial of service 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 affects IBM i operating systems version 7.6, 7.5, 7.4, and 7.3, presenting a significant security risk that could be exploited by local authenticated attackers to disrupt system operations. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation within the SQL command processing functionality, specifically failing to properly neutralize special elements that are commonly used in SQL injection attacks. When an attacker crafts malicious SQL commands containing specially formatted characters or sequences, the system's insufficient sanitization mechanisms allow these elements to be interpreted as part of the actual command execution rather than mere data inputs.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in a command or query. This weakness creates an environment where attacker-controlled input can manipulate the intended behavior of SQL commands executed by the system. The vulnerability specifically impacts the database processing components of IBM i, where SQL queries are parsed, validated, and executed against the underlying data stores. When the system processes SQL commands containing unescaped characters such as quotes, semicolons, or other SQL metacharacters, these elements can alter the execution flow of legitimate database operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks that could compromise data integrity and availability. A successful exploitation could result in complete denial of service conditions where authorized users cannot access critical database resources, leading to business interruption and potential data loss. The local authentication requirement means that attackers must first gain legitimate user credentials or system access before exploiting this weakness, but once achieved, the impact on system availability is severe enough to warrant immediate attention.
Organizations running affected IBM i versions should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this risk effectively. The primary mitigation strategy involves applying the latest security patches provided by IBM that address the SQL command processing flaw through improved input validation and neutralization techniques. System administrators should also consider implementing enhanced monitoring for unusual SQL command patterns and conducting regular security assessments of database access controls. Additionally, organizations should review and strengthen their privilege management policies to limit the potential damage from authenticated attackers who might exploit this vulnerability.
From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability fits within ATT&CK tactic TA0005 (Defense Evasion) and technique T1059.008 (SQL Injection), where attackers can leverage improper input handling to manipulate database operations. The local authentication requirement places this vulnerability in the context of lateral movement and privilege escalation activities where attackers who have already gained system access seek to maximize their impact. Security teams should consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous SQL command sequences and alert administrators to potential exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on patterns that might indicate attempts to bypass SQL sanitization mechanisms.