# CVE-2026-16427: IBM DataStage path traversal arbitrary file write

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-16427-ibm-datastage-on-cloud-pak-for-data-5-4-0-0-could-allow-a-remote  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-11-08. Updated: 2026-11-08  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-16427 · Severity: medium · CVSS 6.5 · Published 2026-11-08

IBM DataStage is a data integration and ETL tool used to extract, transform, and load enterprise data. A remote authenticated attacker can exploit a path traversal vulnerability to write arbitrary files to the system, potentially allowing them to modify critical configurations, inject malicious code, or compromise data integrity.

Technologies: [IBM Cloud Pak For Data](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/cloud-pak-for-data), [IBM DataStage](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/datastage). Vendors: [IBM](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/ibm).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-16427 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-16427 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-16427?** Medium severity, with a CVSS score of 6.5, published 8 November 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** IBM Cloud Pak For Data 5.4.0.0; IBM DataStage 5.4.0.0.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-16427?** No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.

**How is CVE-2026-16427 attacked?** It is attacked over the network.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-16427?** Check whether you run IBM Cloud Pak For Data or IBM DataStage 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.

## Technical details

A path traversal vulnerability in IBM DataStage on Cloud Pak for Data 5.4.0.0 allows a remote authenticated user to write arbitrary files to the system. The vulnerability arises from improper validation of file path inputs, enabling attackers to use directory traversal sequences (e.g., "../") to escape intended directory restrictions. Exploitation requires authentication but no user interaction.

## Affected products

- IBM DataStage 5.4.0.0
- IBM Cloud Pak for Data 5.4.0.0

## Timeline

- 2026-11-08: disclosed

## References

- [https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7294270](https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7294270)

## Related threats

- [IBM DataStage path traversal arbitrary file deletion](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-81542-ibm-datastage-on-cloud-pak-for-data-5-4-0-0-could-allow-a-remote)
- [IBM DataStage path traversal in Cloud Pak for Data](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-82094-ibm-datastage-on-cloud-pak-for-data-5-4-0-0-could-allow-a-remote)
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- [IBM DataStage credential decryption oracle in Cloud Pak for Data](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-81208-ibm-datastage-on-cloud-pak-for-data-5-4-0-0-could-allow-an)