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CVE-2026-16860: IBM: Remote code execution
CVE-2026-16860 is rated critical with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.9 and NVD lists IBM as the affected product. Per its scoring, it can be exploited over the network, without any user interaction. The scored impact on confidentiality, integrity and availability is the highest available.
Vulnerability 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.
Severity breakdown
CVSS v3.1 9.9: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
- Attack vector: Network. Exploitable remotely over the network, with no need for local or physical access.
- Attack complexity: Low. No special conditions; the attack can be repeated reliably.
- Privileges required: Low. A basic user account is enough.
- User interaction: None. No action from any user is needed.
- Scope: Changed. Impact reaches beyond the vulnerable component to other resources.
- Confidentiality impact: High. Total loss of confidentiality; sensitive data can be fully disclosed.
- Integrity impact: High. Total loss of integrity; data or system state can be fully modified.
- Availability impact: High. Total loss of availability; the component can be shut down.
Underlying weakness
CWE-427: Uncontrolled Search Path Element
The product uses a fixed or controlled search path to find resources, but one or more locations in that path can be under the control of unintended actors.
Affected products
- IBM: from 7.3 up to and including 7.6