# CVE-2026-78404: IBM Db2 local privilege escalation in db2pd utility

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-78404-ibm-db2-11-5-0-through-11-5-9-and-12-1-0-through-12-1-5-is  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-10-12. Updated: 2026-10-16  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-78404 · Severity: medium · CVSS 6.5 · Published 2026-10-12

IBM Db2 is a database management system used to store and manage critical business data. A local privilege escalation vulnerability in the db2pd diagnostic utility allows a low-privileged user on a Linux or Unix system to gain elevated permissions and read sensitive data without authorization. This could expose confidential database information to unauthorized access.

Technologies: [IBM Db2](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/db2). Vendors: [IBM](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/ibm).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-78404 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-78404 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-78404?** Medium severity, with a CVSS score of 6.5, published 12 October 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** IBM Db2 11.5.0 through 11.5.9, 12.1.0 through 12.1.5.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-78404?** Yes: fixed in Db2 11.5 with Security Update #94236 or later for 11.5.9; Db2 12.1 with Security Update #94722 or later for 12.1.4, and Security Update #94858 or later for 12.1.5. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-78404 attacked?** It is attacked with local access, in a software library.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-78404?** Check whether you run IBM Db2 at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## How to fix

- Fixed in Db2 11.5 with Security Update #94236 or later for 11.5.9; Db2 12.1 with Security Update #94722 or later for 12.1.4, and Security Update #94858 or later for 12.1.5

## Technical details

The vulnerability is an improper privilege management issue (CWE-269) in the db2pd utility that allows local attackers with low privileges to escalate their access without user interaction. The flaw affects Db2 on Linux and Unix platforms; Windows installations are not vulnerable. An attacker with local system access can exploit this to gain higher privileges and access confidential information.

## Affected products

- IBM Db2 11.5.0 through 11.5.9, 12.1.0 through 12.1.5

## Timeline

- 2026-10-08: disclosed

## References

- [https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7291612](https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7291612)

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