CVE-2026-16674 in IBM
Summary
by MITRE • 08/13/2026
IBM i 7.6, 7.5, 7.4, and 7.3 could allow a remote authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code due to an untrusted search path.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2026
This vulnerability affects IBM i operating systems version 7.6, 7.5, 7.4, and 7.3, presenting a critical security risk that could enable remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code. The flaw stems from an untrusted search path issue that allows malicious actors with valid credentials to manipulate the system's execution environment. When applications or processes search for libraries or executables, they may inadvertently load malicious code from unauthorized directories if proper path validation is not implemented. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-426, which describes the improper handling of untrusted search paths where programs execute code from unexpected locations, and corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage. The remote authenticated nature of this attack means that an attacker must already have legitimate user credentials to exploit the vulnerability, but once successful, they could gain full control over system operations and potentially escalate privileges to administrative levels.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the operating system's dynamic linking mechanism or process execution paths where trusted and untrusted directories are not properly separated during library resolution. When an application attempts to load required libraries or executables, it searches through a predefined path that may include directories not properly secured or validated against malicious content. This creates opportunities for attackers to place malicious binaries or shared libraries in directories that are searched before legitimate system locations, effectively hijacking the execution flow. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because IBM i systems often run critical business applications and enterprise services where unauthorized code execution could lead to data breaches, service disruption, or complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially move laterally within network environments. Organizations running affected IBM i versions face significant risks including unauthorized data access, system integrity compromise, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The attack vector requires only authenticated access, making it more accessible than some other exploit scenarios where additional reconnaissance or privilege escalation steps are necessary. This vulnerability affects not just individual systems but entire enterprise infrastructures that rely on IBM i for critical operations such as financial transactions, inventory management, and customer data processing.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the latest security patches from IBM, validating and restricting system search paths to eliminate potential attack vectors, and monitoring for suspicious file placement activities in system directories. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all applications that may be susceptible to this issue and review system configurations to ensure proper path validation is implemented. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that no unauthorized modifications have been made to system paths or library locations, while implementing file integrity monitoring solutions to detect any suspicious activity related to executable file placement in critical directories. The remediation process must include thorough testing to ensure that security updates do not negatively impact existing business applications and services.