CVE-2026-18249 in IBM
Summary
by MITRE • 08/14/2026
IBM i 7.6, 7.5, 7.4, and 7.3 could allow a remote authenticated attacker to gain elevated privileges due to improper validation of pointers read from Java-controlled addresses.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/14/2026
This vulnerability affects IBM i operating systems version 7.6, 7.5, 7.4, and 7.3, presenting a critical security risk that enables remote authenticated attackers to escalate their privileges. The flaw stems from inadequate validation mechanisms within the system's pointer handling processes when Java-controlled memory addresses are accessed. This weakness allows malicious actors with legitimate authentication credentials to manipulate pointer values and potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated system privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves Java applications or services that interact with system-level memory operations where pointer validation is insufficient. When these Java components read data from controlled memory addresses, the system fails to properly validate the integrity and legitimacy of the pointer references. This creates an exploitation vector where authenticated users can craft malicious inputs that manipulate memory pointers to redirect execution flow or access restricted system resources.
From an operational perspective this vulnerability poses significant risk to organizations relying on IBM i systems, particularly those with network-accessible Java applications or services. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the system, while the authenticated requirement reduces detection likelihood as legitimate user sessions are leveraged for privilege escalation. This combination makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where Java applications handle sensitive data processing or system administration functions.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-122 (Heap-based Buffer Overflow) and CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write) categories within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, representing pointer validation failures that can lead to privilege escalation. From the MITRE ATT&CK framework perspective, this maps to privilege escalation techniques under tactic TA0004, specifically leveraging weaknesses in system memory management to gain elevated access rights. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying IBM security patches, restricting Java application permissions, and monitoring for anomalous pointer behavior patterns.
Security teams must prioritize patch management for affected IBM i versions while implementing network segmentation controls to limit access to Java applications that may interact with system-level memory operations. Additional protective measures include enabling system auditing for privilege-related activities, implementing strict access controls for Java applications, and conducting comprehensive vulnerability assessments of all Java-based services running on affected systems. The risk assessment should consider both internal and external threat vectors, as the remote exploitation capability extends beyond traditional perimeter security boundaries.