CVE-2025-33109: IBM i Database Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
IBM i is susceptible to a privilege escalation flaw that could allow attackers to execute unauthorized database actions. Let's dive into the details.
Vulnerability Details
- CVE ID: CVE-2025-33109
- Description: IBM i versions 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, and 7.6 are vulnerable to a privilege escalation caused by an invalid database authority check. A malicious actor could execute a database procedure or function without having all required permissions, in addition to causing denial of service for some database actions.
- CVSS Score: 7.5 HIGH
- CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
- CVSS Vector Explanation: This means the vulnerability is remotely exploitable (AV:N), requires specific conditions to be met (AC:H), an attacker needs low-level privileges (PR:L) and no user interaction (UI:N), but if exploited gives High impacts on confidentiality (C:H), integrity (I:H) and availability (A:H) without changing the scope (S:U).
- Exploit Requirements: Requires an attacker to have some level of access to the IBM i system and knowledge of database procedures or functions. The attacker must also be able to trigger the invalid authority check.
- Affected Vendor: IBM
- Affected Product: IBM i
- Affected Versions: 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6
- CWE: CWE-250 - Execution with Unnecessary Privileges
Timeline of Events
- 2025-07-24: CVE Published
- Awaiting Analysis: Further analysis is required to determine the exact impact and exploitation methods.
Exploitability & Real-World Risk
While the attack complexity is marked as 'High', successful exploitation could lead to significant data breaches and system compromise. In a real-world scenario, an insider or an attacker who has already gained some access to the system could leverage this vulnerability to escalate their privileges and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. It is possible for an attacker to take over system.
Recommendations
- Apply Patches: As soon as IBM releases a patch for this vulnerability, apply it to your IBM i systems.
- Review Database Permissions: Regularly review and restrict database permissions to only those users who need them.
- Monitor System Logs: Monitor system logs for suspicious activity related to database access and privilege escalation attempts.
- Implement Least Privilege Principle: Ensure that users and applications have only the necessary privileges to perform their tasks.
Technical Insight
The vulnerability stems from an inadequate check on database authorities before executing procedures or functions. This allows a user with limited privileges to bypass the intended security controls and execute actions they are not authorized to perform. The underlying cause is the misuse of database access control mechanisms by the system.
Credit to Researcher(s)
Details of the researcher(s) will be updated when available.
References
Tags
CVE-2025-33109, IBM i, Privilege Escalation, Database Security, Vulnerability, IBM
Summary: IBM i versions 7.2-7.6 are vulnerable to a privilege escalation. An invalid database authority check enables malicious actors to execute unauthorized database procedures, causing potential data breaches and system compromise. Immediate patching and security audits are recommended.
CVE ID: CVE-2025-33109
Risk Analysis: Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. This could result in data breaches, financial loss, and reputational damage.
Recommendation: Apply the patch from IBM as soon as it is available. Review and restrict database permissions. Monitor system logs for suspicious activity.
Timeline
- 2025-07-24: CVE Published