Description

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.

Executive Summary

Technical Details

Mitigations

References

Additional Metadata

{
  "score": "9.3",
  "pubDate": "2026-08-14T20:16:50.777Z",
  "pubdate": "2026-08-14T20:16:50.777Z",
  "executiveSummary": "IBM Db2 Mirror for i versions 7.4, 7.5, and 7.6 contain a path traversal vulnerability that could allow a remote attacker to write files to arbitrary locations on the underlying file system. This security flaw arises from improper validation of user-supplied input or file path parameters processed by the application, enabling traversal sequences such as dot-dot-slash to escape intended directory boundaries. An unauthenticated or authenticated remote attacker possessing network access to the vulnerable service can leverage this capability to overwrite critical system files, configuration files, or binaries, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution, system instability, or full compromise of the affected environment. The risk implication is severe due to the potential for complete system integrity loss. Mitigation requires applying the official vendor-supplied patches or updates corresponding to the affected versions of IBM Db2 Mirror for i, alongside enforcing strict network access controls and monitoring file system activity for anomalous write operations originating from database services.",
  "technicalDetails": "The vulnerability is classified as a path traversal flaw affecting IBM Db2 Mirror for i 7.4, 7.5, and 7.6. The root cause of the issue lies in the application's failure to adequately sanitize and validate file paths derived from external or remote inputs before performing file write operations. Specifically, the vulnerable component processes file path parameters that may contain directory traversal sequences (such as \"../\"), allowing an attacker to manipulate the target file destination outside the intended root directory or secure sandbox.\nExploitation of this vulnerability occurs remotely over the network. An attacker crafts a malicious request containing specially engineered file paths utilizing traversal sequences. When the vulnerable IBM Db2 Mirror for i service processes this payload, it fails to neutralize the traversal characters, causing the underlying file handling routines to resolve the path relative to the root directory rather than the intended secure working directory. Consequently, the application writes attacker-controlled data to arbitrary locations on the file system.\nThe attack flow proceeds as follows: First, the remote attacker identifies the exposed IBM Db2 Mirror for i service and determines the network interface and protocol pathways for interaction. Second, the attacker formulates a payload incorporating path traversal sequences combined with the desired target file path and the payload data intended for writing. Third, the attacker transmits the request to the target system. Fourth, the vulnerable component processes the request without sufficient input validation, resulting in the creation or overwriting of files at arbitrary locations dictated by the attacker.\nThe potential post-exploitation impact includes the modification of system binaries, configuration overrides, or the placement of executable scripts in startup directories. Depending on the privileges associated with the running Db2 process, successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution, elevation of privilege, or severe denial of service through the corruption of critical operating system or database files. Authentication and specific privilege requirements depend on the specific access controls enforcing the vulnerable interface, but remote exploitation capabilities are inherent to the flaw."
}