CVE-2025-27900 identifies an open redirect vulnerability (CWE-601) in IBM DB2 Recovery Expert for LUW version 5.5 Interim Fix 002. The vulnerability allows a remote attacker with limited privileges (PR:L) to craft specially designed URLs that redirect users to untrusted, potentially malicious websites. This occurs because the application fails to properly validate or sanitize URL redirection parameters, enabling attackers to spoof the displayed URL and deceive users into visiting harmful sites. The attack vector is network-based (AV:N) and requires user interaction (UI:R), such as clicking a malicious link. The vulnerability does not impact confidentiality directly but compromises integrity by misleading users and enabling phishing attacks that could lead to credential theft or further exploitation. The vulnerability scope is changed (S:C), meaning the impact can extend beyond the vulnerable component to affect other parts of the system or network. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.8, indicating a medium severity level, reflecting the ease of exploitation combined with the potential for significant impact on user trust and security. No patches or known exploits are currently available, emphasizing the need for proactive mitigation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning for environments where IBM DB2 Recovery Expert is used to manage critical database recovery operations, as attackers could leverage phishing to gain further access or disrupt operations.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk primarily through phishing attacks that exploit user trust in IBM DB2 Recovery Expert for LUW interfaces. Successful exploitation could lead to credential compromise, unauthorized access, and subsequent lateral movement within networks. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure that rely on IBM DB2 for database management could face data breaches or operational disruptions. The integrity of user navigation is compromised, increasing the likelihood of social engineering attacks. Although the vulnerability does not directly affect system availability or confidentiality, the indirect consequences of phishing and credential theft can be severe, including data exfiltration and regulatory non-compliance under GDPR. The medium severity rating suggests that while the vulnerability is not immediately critical, it requires timely attention to prevent exploitation, especially given the strategic importance of database recovery tools in enterprise environments.

1. Apply any available interim fixes or patches from IBM as soon as they are released, even though none are currently published. 2. Implement strict validation and sanitization of URL redirection parameters within the application or via web application firewalls (WAFs) to block malicious redirect attempts. 3. Restrict user privileges to the minimum necessary to reduce the risk of exploitation by users with limited rights. 4. Conduct user awareness training focused on recognizing phishing attempts and suspicious URLs, emphasizing caution when interacting with links related to IBM DB2 Recovery Expert. 5. Monitor logs and network traffic for unusual redirection patterns or access attempts that could indicate exploitation attempts. 6. Consider deploying URL filtering solutions to block access to known malicious domains. 7. Review and harden authentication and session management controls around the affected application to limit the impact of compromised credentials. 8. Coordinate with IBM support for updates and guidance on mitigating this vulnerability in the absence of official patches.