CVE-2026-14276 in i Access Family
Summary
by MITRE • 09/14/2026
IBM i Access Family 1.1.2.0 through 1.1.9.15 IBM i Access Client Solutions could allow an authenticated user to execute arbitrary commands with normal user privileges on the system due to improper validation of user supplied input in a malicious emulator macro RunProgram action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2026
The vulnerability identified within IBM i Access Family versions 1.1.2.0 through 1.1.9.15, specifically affecting the IBM i Access Client Solutions component, represents a significant security risk related to command injection via malformed input in emulator macros. This flaw stems from an improper validation mechanism when processing user-supplied data within the RunProgram action of maliciously crafted macro files. The core technical issue lies in the application's failure to adequately sanitize or validate inputs before passing them to underlying system commands, allowing an authenticated attacker to inject arbitrary operating system commands that are then executed with the privileges of the currently logged-in user. This type of vulnerability is classically categorized under CWE-78, which denotes Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command, commonly known as OS Command Injection. The severity of this flaw is compounded by the fact that it requires authentication, meaning a valid account on the IBM i system is necessary to exploit it, yet once authenticated, the attacker can leverage trusted macro functionality to bypass standard security controls and execute code at the user's privilege level.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure or denial of service. An attacker who successfully exploits this flaw gains the ability to run arbitrary commands on the host system where the IBM i Access Client Solutions is installed. This capability can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive files, modification of system configurations, installation of malware, or use of the compromised machine as a pivot point for further attacks against other network resources. The exploitation vector typically involves tricking an authenticated user into opening and executing a malicious macro file within the emulator environment. Once executed, the RunProgram action processes the injected payload without sufficient checks, resulting in direct command execution on the operating system shell associated with that user session. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically sub-techniques involving OS-native commands such as cmd.exe or PowerShell on Windows systems where these clients are commonly deployed. The lack of input validation allows for complex command chaining, potentially enabling the attacker to download additional payloads, exfiltrate data, or establish persistence mechanisms depending on the specific context and permissions available to the targeted user account.
Mitigation strategies must focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The primary defense is to apply the latest patches provided by IBM for IBM i Access Client Solutions, ensuring that all instances are updated beyond version 1.1.9.15 or to whatever specific fix level addresses this input validation flaw. Organizations should also implement strict macro execution policies within their environments, restricting users from running macros sourced from untrusted or external parties. Security awareness training is critical to educate employees on the risks of opening unexpected macro files in enterprise applications that have system-level access capabilities. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response solutions can help identify and block unauthorized command executions initiated through these client tools. Regular auditing of user activities and monitoring for anomalous process creation events linked to emulator processes can aid in early detection of exploitation attempts. By combining timely patching with robust administrative controls and continuous monitoring, organizations can effectively mitigate the risk posed by this command injection vulnerability and maintain the integrity of their IBM i infrastructure.