CVE-2026-17420 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 bypass security restrictions due to improper neutralization of special elements in an SQL parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2026
This vulnerability exists within IBM i operating systems versions 7.6, 7.5, 7.4, and 7.3, representing a critical security flaw that allows remote authenticated attackers to circumvent system security controls through improper handling of SQL parameters. The issue stems from inadequate neutralization of special elements within SQL parameter inputs, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries and gain unauthorized access to restricted resources. The vulnerability specifically affects the SQL processing mechanisms within these IBM i versions, where input validation fails to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters before they are incorporated into database operations.
The technical implementation flaw occurs when the system processes SQL parameters containing special characters or control sequences that should be properly escaped or filtered. This improper neutralization creates an environment where attackers can inject malicious SQL code through authenticated sessions, potentially leading to privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or unauthorized system access. The vulnerability operates at the application level where SQL injection attacks can be executed against database interfaces, leveraging the fact that special elements in parameters are not adequately sanitized before database query execution.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on IBM i systems for business-critical operations. Remote authenticated attackers who have legitimate access credentials can exploit this weakness to bypass security restrictions without requiring additional privileges or complex attack vectors. The potential consequences include unauthorized data access, modification of database content, privilege escalation to administrative levels, and possible disruption of critical business processes that depend on database integrity. Organizations may experience data breaches, compliance violations, and reputational damage if this vulnerability is successfully exploited.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch application from IBM, implementing proper input validation mechanisms, and strengthening authentication controls. System administrators must ensure all affected IBM i versions receive the appropriate security updates that address the SQL parameter neutralization issue. Additionally, organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish robust database access controls including role-based permissions, query auditing, and regular security assessments. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-74 standards for improper neutralization of special elements in SQL parameters and represents a technique that could be categorized under ATT&CK tactic TA0006 (Credential Access) and technique T1213 (Data from Information Repositories), emphasizing the need for comprehensive security measures beyond simple patching to protect against sophisticated attack vectors.