CVE-2026-16898: CWE-73 External Control of File Name or Path
CVE-2026-16898 affects IBM i versions 7.3 through 7.6 and involves improper validation of attacker-controlled file paths. This vulnerability allows a local authenticated attacker to change the ownership of arbitrary files. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-73, which concerns external control of file name or path. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating a high severity with impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No official patch or remediation guidance has been provided yet.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
IBM i versions 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, and 7.6 contain a vulnerability (CVE-2026-16898) where improper validation of file paths controlled by an attacker enables a local authenticated user to change ownership of arbitrary files. This is a CWE-73 type vulnerability involving external control of file name or path. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 score of 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No vendor advisory or patch information is currently available, and no known exploits are reported in the wild.
Potential Impact
A local authenticated attacker can exploit this vulnerability to change ownership of arbitrary files on affected IBM i systems. This could lead to unauthorized access, modification, or deletion of files, impacting system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The high CVSS score reflects the significant potential damage if exploited.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released, restrict local authenticated access to trusted users only and monitor for suspicious activity related to file ownership changes.
CVE-2026-16898: CWE-73 External Control of File Name or Path
Description
CVE-2026-16898 affects IBM i versions 7.3 through 7.6 and involves improper validation of attacker-controlled file paths. This vulnerability allows a local authenticated attacker to change the ownership of arbitrary files. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-73, which concerns external control of file name or path. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating a high severity with impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No official patch or remediation guidance has been provided yet.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.8high
Affected software
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, 7.4, 7.5, and 7.6 contain a vulnerability (CVE-2026-16898) where improper validation of file paths controlled by an attacker enables a local authenticated user to change ownership of arbitrary files. This is a CWE-73 type vulnerability involving external control of file name or path. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 score of 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No vendor advisory or patch information is currently available, and no known exploits are reported in the wild.
Potential Impact
A local authenticated attacker can exploit this vulnerability to change ownership of arbitrary files on affected IBM i systems. This could lead to unauthorized access, modification, or deletion of files, impacting system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The high CVSS score reflects the significant potential damage if exploited.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released, restrict local authenticated access to trusted users only and monitor for suspicious activity related to file ownership changes.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T05:38:28.286Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a7e2501bf8831d539bec08c
Added to database: 08/13/2026, 20:11:45 UTC
Last enriched: 08/13/2026, 20:27:43 UTC
Last updated: 08/13/2026, 20:27:43 UTC
Views: 2
Community Reviews
0 reviewsCrowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.
Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.
Actions
Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.
External Links
Need more coverage?
Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.
For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.
Latest Threats
Check if your credentials are on the dark web
Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.