CVE-2026-18150 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 a race condition.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2026
This vulnerability exists within IBM i operating systems version 7.6, 7.5, 7.4, and 7.3, representing a significant security flaw that could be exploited by remote authenticated attackers to gain access to sensitive information. The core issue stems from a race condition present in the system's handling of certain operations, where multiple processes or threads can interfere with each other during execution, creating potential for data exposure. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-362, which specifically addresses Race Conditions, making it a well-documented and dangerous class of security flaws.
The technical implementation of this race condition allows an attacker who has already established authentication credentials to manipulate system operations in such a way that they can access information that should normally be restricted. This typically occurs when the system does not properly synchronize access to shared resources or data structures, enabling malicious actors to exploit timing dependencies between concurrent processes. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only authenticated access, meaning that an attacker who has already compromised legitimate credentials could leverage this flaw to escalate their information gathering capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a fundamental weakness in the system's integrity protection mechanisms. Attackers could potentially extract sensitive data such as user credentials, system configurations, or proprietary business information that should remain protected within the secure environment. This exposure could lead to further exploitation opportunities including privilege escalation, lateral movement within the network, or even complete system compromise depending on the nature of the accessed information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate application of IBM's security patches and updates specifically designed to address the race condition in question. Organizations must also implement robust monitoring systems to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and privilege least privilege principles should be enforced to limit potential damage if exploitation occurs. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar race conditions within other system components, as these types of flaws often indicate broader architectural weaknesses.
From an operational security perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 which focuses on discovering file and directory permissions, as the race condition could enable attackers to bypass normal access controls. The presence of such flaws in enterprise operating systems like IBM i highlights the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and conducting regular vulnerability assessments. Organizations should also consider implementing additional layers of protection including intrusion detection systems, behavioral analytics, and comprehensive incident response procedures to address potential exploitation attempts.
The remediation process requires careful planning and execution to avoid system downtime while ensuring complete protection against this race condition vulnerability. IBM's official security advisories should be consulted for specific patch deployment instructions and any necessary configuration changes. Security teams must also evaluate their existing monitoring capabilities to ensure they can detect exploitation attempts, as the nature of race conditions often makes them difficult to identify through conventional means. Regular security training for system administrators and security personnel is essential to maintain awareness of these types of vulnerabilities and their potential impact on organizational security posture.
This vulnerability demonstrates the ongoing challenges in maintaining secure enterprise operating environments where complex interdependencies between system components can create unexpected attack vectors. The race condition represents a fundamental flaw in how concurrent processes are managed within IBM i systems, requiring both immediate remediation and longer-term architectural improvements to prevent similar issues from emerging in the future. Organizations should view this as part of a broader security strategy that includes continuous vulnerability management, proactive threat hunting, and comprehensive security architecture reviews to address the full spectrum of potential threats in their environments.