CVE-2026-16853 in IBM
Summary
by MITRE • 08/13/2026
IBM i 7.6, 7.5, 7.4, and 7.3 could allow a remote attacker to obtain sensitive information due to an out-of-bounds read.
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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 significant security risk through an out-of-bounds read flaw that enables remote attackers to access sensitive information. The technical implementation involves a memory access violation where the system reads data beyond allocated buffer boundaries, potentially exposing confidential system details, user credentials, or administrative information to unauthorized parties. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read, which represents one of the most common classes of memory safety issues in software systems. The flaw exists within the operating system's core components that handle network communications or data processing functions, where insufficient bounds checking allows malicious actors to manipulate input data and trigger the vulnerable code path.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates potential entry points for more sophisticated attacks including privilege escalation, lateral movement, or complete system compromise. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for systems exposed to untrusted networks or internet-facing services. The vulnerability affects IBM i systems that process network requests or handle data transfers, potentially impacting database servers, application servers, or communication protocols within the operating environment. This type of attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083: File and Directory Discovery, as attackers could leverage the information disclosure to map system structures and identify additional targets for exploitation.
Organizations running affected IBM i versions should prioritize immediate patching through official IBM security updates, which typically address the underlying buffer management issues by implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms. System administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable components, while monitoring network traffic for indicators of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of memory safety practices in enterprise operating systems, particularly those handling sensitive business data or serving as foundational infrastructure for critical applications. Security teams should conduct comprehensive assessments of their IBM i environments to identify other potential out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities within custom applications or third-party software components that might be running on these platforms, ensuring complete protection against similar attack vectors.