CVE-2026-16860
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IBM i Uncontrolled Search Path Leading to Arbitrary Code Execution

Publication date: 2026-08-12

Last updated on: 2026-08-12

Assigner: IBM Corporation

Description
IBM i 7.6, 7.5, 7.4, and 7.3 could allow a remote authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code due to an uncontrolled search path element.

CVSS Scores

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Meta Information

Published
2026-08-12
Last Modified
2026-08-12
Generated
2026-08-13
AI Q&A
2026-08-12
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-16860
EUVD
EUVD-2026-57379

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 4 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
ibm ibm_i to 7.3 (inc)
ibm ibm_i to 7.4 (inc)
ibm ibm_i to 7.5 (inc)
ibm ibm_i to 7.6 (inc)

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-427 The product uses a fixed or controlled search path to find resources, but one or more locations in that path can be under the control of unintended actors.

Attack-Flow Graph

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Executive Summary

IBM i 7.6, 7.5, 7.4, and 7.3 are vulnerable to a remote code execution flaw due to an uncontrolled search path element. This allows a remote authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system.

Detection Guidance

Detection involves checking IBM i versions and applying IBM's PTF fixes. Use system commands like DSPPTF to verify installed PTFs (SJ10879 for 7.6, SJ10880 for 7.5, SJ10881 for 7.4, SJ10882 for 7.3). Monitor for unauthorized code execution attempts in logs.

Impact Analysis

An attacker could exploit this to run malicious code on your IBM i system, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, or unauthorized access. The high CVSS score (9.9) indicates significant risk.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access or data exposure, violating compliance requirements like GDPR (data protection) or HIPAA (health data security). Organizations must patch to maintain compliance.

Mitigation Strategies

Apply the relevant IBM PTF fix immediately: SJ10879 for IBM i 7.6, SJ10880 for 7.5, SJ10881 for 7.4, or SJ10882 for 7.3. If using unsupported versions, upgrade to a supported release. No workarounds exist.

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