CVE-2026-17266 in IBM
Summary
by MITRE • 08/12/2026
IBM i 7.6, 7.5, 7.4, and 7.3 could allow a remote authenticated attacker to obtain sensitive information due to improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2026
This vulnerability affects IBM i operating systems versions 7.6, 7.5, 7.4, and 7.3, presenting a significant security risk that could be exploited by remote authenticated attackers. The flaw stems from inadequate restrictions on pathname handling within the system's file access mechanisms, specifically allowing unauthorized traversal beyond designated restricted directories. This issue represents a classic path traversal vulnerability that violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and directory isolation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the system fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied pathnames before processing them within restricted directory contexts. An attacker with valid authentication credentials can manipulate file access requests to navigate through directory structures they should not be permitted to access, potentially exposing sensitive system files, configuration data, or proprietary information. This type of flaw typically manifests when input validation mechanisms are insufficiently implemented or bypassed during pathname resolution processes.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to confidential data, system configurations, and potentially escalate their privileges within the IBM i environment. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where network exposure is common. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, intellectual property theft, and operational disruption if this vulnerability is successfully exploited.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and falls under ATT&CK technique T1074 Data Staged, specifically targeting credential access and privilege escalation capabilities. It represents a critical weakness in the system's access control mechanisms that could be leveraged as part of broader attack campaigns. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including patching to the latest IBM i service levels, implementing additional input validation measures, and conducting comprehensive access control reviews.
Security teams must prioritize this vulnerability for remediation given its potential to expose sensitive system information and facilitate further attacks within the environment. The remediation process should include not only applying official patches from IBM but also reviewing existing access controls, implementing network segmentation, and monitoring for suspicious file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing automated tools for detecting and preventing path traversal attacks in their network security infrastructure.