CVE-2026-16674: CWE-426 Untrusted Search Path
CVE-2026-16674 is a high-severity vulnerability in IBM i versions 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, and 7.6. It involves an untrusted search path issue that could allow a remote authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 8.8, indicating a significant risk to confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No official patch or remediation guidance has been provided yet.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
IBM i versions 7.3 through 7.6 contain a CWE-426 untrusted search path vulnerability that could be exploited by a remote attacker with authentication to execute arbitrary code. This occurs because the system may search for executables or libraries in untrusted directories, allowing malicious code to be run. The vulnerability is rated high severity with a CVSS 3.1 score of 8.8, reflecting low attack complexity, required privileges, and no user interaction, with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No vendor advisory or patch information is currently available.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution by a remote authenticated attacker, potentially compromising system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This could allow attackers to take control of the affected IBM i system or disrupt its operations.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released, organizations should restrict remote authenticated access to IBM i systems and monitor for suspicious activity related to executable search paths.
CVE-2026-16674: CWE-426 Untrusted Search Path
Description
CVE-2026-16674 is a high-severity vulnerability in IBM i versions 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, and 7.6. It involves an untrusted search path issue that could allow a remote authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 8.8, indicating a significant risk to confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No official patch or remediation guidance has been provided yet.
CVSS v3.1
Score 8.8high
Affected software
IBM
cpe:2.3:a:ibm:i:7.6:*:*:*:*:*:*:*cpe:2.3:a:ibm:i:7.6.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*cpe:2.3:a:ibm:i:7.5:*:*:*:*:*:*:*cpe:2.3:a:ibm:i:7.5.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*cpe:2.3:a:ibm:i:7.4:*:*:*:*:*:*:*cpe:2.3:a:ibm:i:7.4.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
IBM i versions 7.3 through 7.6 contain a CWE-426 untrusted search path vulnerability that could be exploited by a remote attacker with authentication to execute arbitrary code. This occurs because the system may search for executables or libraries in untrusted directories, allowing malicious code to be run. The vulnerability is rated high severity with a CVSS 3.1 score of 8.8, reflecting low attack complexity, required privileges, and no user interaction, with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No vendor advisory or patch information is currently available.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution by a remote authenticated attacker, potentially compromising system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This could allow attackers to take control of the affected IBM i system or disrupt its operations.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released, organizations should restrict remote authenticated access to IBM i systems and monitor for suspicious activity related to executable search paths.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-22T20:02:22.059Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a7e217bbf8831d539ba0cd8
Added to database: 08/13/2026, 19:56:43 UTC
Last enriched: 08/21/2026, 13:29:13 UTC
Last updated: 09/28/2026, 13:47:42 UTC
Views: 47
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