CVE-2026-16860: CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element
IBM i 7.6, 7.5, 7.4, and 7.3 could allow a remote authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code due to an uncontrolled search path element.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
IBM i versions 7.3 through 7.6 contain an uncontrolled search path element vulnerability (CWE-427) that can be exploited by a remote attacker with authentication to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of search paths, which may allow malicious code to be loaded and executed. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 9.9, indicating critical severity, with attack vector network, low attack complexity, requiring privileges, no user interaction, and resulting in complete system compromise.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to full system compromise including confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the IBM vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. No official fix or temporary mitigation has been publicly disclosed at this time.
CVE-2026-16860: CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element
Description
IBM i 7.6, 7.5, 7.4, and 7.3 could allow a remote authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code due to an uncontrolled search path element.
CVSS v3.1
Score 9.9critical
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 an uncontrolled search path element vulnerability (CWE-427) that can be exploited by a remote attacker with authentication to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of search paths, which may allow malicious code to be loaded and executed. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 9.9, indicating critical severity, with attack vector network, low attack complexity, requiring privileges, no user interaction, and resulting in complete system compromise.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to full system compromise including confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the IBM vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. No official fix or temporary mitigation has been publicly disclosed at this time.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T03:50:24.246Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a7cb3e6bf8831d539ed5582
Added to database: 08/12/2026, 17:56:54 UTC
Last enriched: 08/12/2026, 18:13:12 UTC
Last updated: 09/25/2026, 13:47:43 UTC
Views: 49
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