CVE-2026-16898: CWE-73 External Control of File Name or Path
IBM i versions 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, and 7.6 contain a vulnerability that allows a local authenticated attacker to change the ownership of arbitrary files. This occurs due to improper validation of an attacker-controlled file path, potentially leading to high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2026-16898 is a vulnerability in IBM i versions 7.3 through 7.6 where improper validation of file paths controlled by an attacker enables a local authenticated user to change ownership of arbitrary files. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-73 (External Control of File Name or Path) and has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8, indicating high severity. The attack vector requires local access with low complexity and privileges, and no user interaction is needed. The vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system.
Potential Impact
An authenticated local attacker can exploit this vulnerability to change ownership of arbitrary files, which may lead to unauthorized access, modification, or deletion of critical system files. This can compromise system confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Since no official fix or temporary mitigation is provided, users should monitor IBM's advisories for updates and consider restricting local access to trusted users until a patch is available.
CVE-2026-16898: CWE-73 External Control of File Name or Path
Description
IBM i versions 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, and 7.6 contain a vulnerability that allows a local authenticated attacker to change the ownership of arbitrary files. This occurs due to improper validation of an attacker-controlled file path, potentially leading to high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.8high
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
CVE-2026-16898 is a vulnerability in IBM i versions 7.3 through 7.6 where improper validation of file paths controlled by an attacker enables a local authenticated user to change ownership of arbitrary files. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-73 (External Control of File Name or Path) and has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8, indicating high severity. The attack vector requires local access with low complexity and privileges, and no user interaction is needed. The vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system.
Potential Impact
An authenticated local attacker can exploit this vulnerability to change ownership of arbitrary files, which may lead to unauthorized access, modification, or deletion of critical system files. This can compromise system confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Since no official fix or temporary mitigation is provided, users should monitor IBM's advisories for updates and consider restricting local access to trusted users until a patch is available.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T05:38:28.286Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a7e2501bf8831d539bec08c
Added to database: 08/13/2026, 20:11:45 UTC
Last enriched: 08/21/2026, 13:34:59 UTC
Last updated: 09/29/2026, 01:47:40 UTC
Views: 60
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