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IBM Db2 Mirror for i versions 7.4, 7.5, and 7.6 contain a path traversal vulnerability that allows a remote attacker to write arbitrary files to the system. The root cause is an improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, classified under CWE-22: Path Traversal.
The vulnerability exists in how Db2 Mirror for i handles file path inputs when processing requests from remote clients. Under normal operation, the application should restrict file write operations to a specific, safe directory. However, due to insufficient validation of user-supplied pathnames, an attacker can craft requests containing directory traversal sequences such as `../` to escape the intended directory.
By manipulating the path parameter, an attacker can direct the application to write files to arbitrary locations on the underlying IBM i operating system. This is particularly dangerous because Db2 Mirror for i runs with elevated privileges to manage high-availability synchronization between two IBM i systems. Any file written by the application inherits these privileges, giving the attacker a foothold to overwrite critical system files, configuration data, or even place malicious scripts in executable locations.
The attack requires no authentication—the CVSS vector is AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N, indicating network accessibility, low attack complexity, and no privileges required. The NVD rates this vulnerability as 7.5 HIGH, while IBM Corporation’s own assessment assigns a score of 8.2 HIGH due to the additional availability impact (A:L).
The flaw is particularly concerning because Db2 Mirror for i is often deployed in mission-critical environments such as banking, retail, and logistics, where data integrity and system availability are paramount. A successful exploitation could allow an attacker to corrupt mirrored data, disrupt failover capabilities, or pivot to other parts of the infrastructure.
IBM has released Program Temporary Fixes (PTFs) to address this vulnerability. Administrators are strongly advised to apply these patches immediately, as the combination of unauthenticated access and high privileges makes this flaw highly attractive for automated attacks.
DailyCVE Form:
Platform: IBM Db2 Mirror for i
Version: 7.4, 7.5, 7.6
Vulnerability: Path Traversal (CWE-22)
Severity: HIGH (CVSS 7.5/8.2)
Date: August 14, 2026
Prediction: Patches available now
What Undercode Say:
Check current Db2 Mirror for i version DSPSFWRSC IBM DB2MIRROR Verify PTF installation status (example for 7.4) DSPPTF Apply PTF SJ10947 for version 7.4 Apply PTF SJ10961 for version 7.5 Apply PTF SJ10948 for version 7.6 Reference: IBM security bulletin node/7283359
Exploit: (Educational Purposes!)
A remote attacker can send a crafted HTTP request to the Db2 Mirror GUI with a path parameter containing directory traversal sequences:
POST /api/sync/restore HTTP/1.1
Host: target-ibm-i-system
Content-Type: application/json
{
"restorePath": "../../../QIBM/UserData/ malicious.sh"
}
By manipulating the `restorePath` value with `../` sequences, the attacker can escape the intended restricted directory and write arbitrary files anywhere on the system. The application fails to sanitize or validate the path before performing the file write operation, allowing the attacker to place files in sensitive locations.
Protection:
- Apply IBM PTFs immediately: Install SJ10947 (7.4), SJ10961 (7.5), or SJ10948 (7.6).
- Restrict network access: Limit exposure of the Db2 Mirror GUI to trusted management networks only.
- Monitor for unusual file writes: Enable auditing on critical system directories.
- Validate all path inputs: Implement strict allowlisting of permitted directories and characters.
Impact:
- Confidentiality: None (no data exposure)
- Integrity: HIGH — arbitrary file writes can overwrite system files, configuration, and binaries
- Availability: LOW (per IBM) — potential disruption to mirroring services
- Business Impact: Corrupted mirrored data, disrupted failover capabilities, and potential system instability in mission-critical environments
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Sources:
Reported By: nvd.nist.gov
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