CVE-2026-18144 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 bypass security restrictions due to improper authorization.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2026
This vulnerability affects IBM i operating systems version 7.6, 7.5, 7.4, and 7.3, representing a critical authorization bypass flaw that could enable remote authenticated attackers to circumvent security controls. The issue stems from improper validation of user permissions and access controls within the system's authentication framework, allowing malicious actors who have already established legitimate credentials to escalate their privileges or access restricted resources without proper authorization. This weakness creates a pathway for attackers to perform actions they should not be permitted to execute based on their assigned roles and permissions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization mechanisms in software systems. The flaw likely exists within the access control enforcement logic where the system fails to properly verify that authenticated users possess the necessary privileges for specific operations or resources. This could manifest through inadequate session management, flawed permission checking routines, or insufficient validation of user capabilities during critical system interactions.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risk to organizations relying on IBM i systems for mission-critical applications and data processing. Remote authenticated attackers who can exploit this weakness may gain access to sensitive information, modify system configurations, manipulate database records, or perform administrative functions that should be restricted to authorized personnel only. The impact extends beyond simple data breaches to potentially compromise entire system integrity and availability, particularly in environments where IBM i serves as the backbone for financial transactions, healthcare records, or industrial control systems.
The security implications of this vulnerability are compounded by its remote exploitability, meaning attackers do not require physical access to the system and can leverage network-based attacks to bypass authorization controls. This characteristic makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could be exploited at scale across multiple systems within an organization's infrastructure without detection. Organizations should consider implementing layered security approaches including network segmentation, enhanced monitoring of privileged activities, and regular security assessments to identify potential exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies should include applying the latest IBM security patches and fixes specifically addressing this authorization bypass vulnerability, implementing strict access control policies, enabling comprehensive logging and audit capabilities, and conducting regular security reviews of system configurations. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for anomalous authentication patterns or unauthorized privilege escalation attempts. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques where adversaries leverage system flaws to gain elevated permissions, making it critical for organizations to maintain up-to-date threat intelligence and security posture assessments to prevent exploitation.