# CVE-2026-123218: IBM Aspera Faspex authorization bypass

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-123218-ibm-aspera-faspex-5-0-0-through-5-0-19-could-allow-an-authorized  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-11-07. Updated: 2026-11-07  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-123218 · Severity: critical · CVSS 9.8 · Exploited in the wild · Published 2026-11-07

IBM Aspera Faspex is a secure file transfer and collaboration platform used by enterprises to exchange large files. An authenticated user can craft a malicious message to bypass authorization controls and gain full administrative privileges, allowing complete takeover of the system including access to all transferred files and user accounts.

Technologies: [IBM Aspera Faspex](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/aspera-faspex). Vendors: [IBM](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/ibm).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-123218 exploited in the wild?** Yes. CVE-2026-123218 is known to be exploited in the wild, first recorded on 9 November 2026. Treat it as urgent.

**How severe is CVE-2026-123218?** Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 9.8, published 7 November 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** IBM Aspera Faspex 5.0.0 through 5.0.19.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-123218?** Yes: fixed in 5.0.19 PL1. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-123218 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a hosted service.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-123218?** Check whether you run IBM Aspera Faspex at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## How to fix

- Fixed in 5.0.19 PL1

## Technical details

A privilege escalation vulnerability exists in Faspex 5.0.0 through 5.0.19 where an authenticated attacker can bypass authorization mechanisms via a specially crafted message (CWE-863: Incorrect Authorization). The vulnerability requires an existing user account but allows unauthenticated elevation to administrative privileges over the network. A fix is available in version 5.0.19 PL1.

## Affected products

- IBM Aspera Faspex 5.0.0 through 5.0.19

## Timeline

- 2026-11-07: advisory

## References

- [https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7295921](https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7295921)

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