# CVE-2026-16428: IBM DataStage code injection in XSLT transformation engine

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-16428-ibm-datastage-code-injection-in-xslt-transformation-engine  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-09-14. Updated: 2026-09-26  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-16428 · Severity: high · CVSS 8.8 · Published 2026-09-14

IBM DataStage is a data integration and transformation platform used within Cloud Pak for Data to process and move data across enterprise systems. Due to improper configuration of the XSLT transformation engine, a remote authenticated user can inject and execute arbitrary code on the DataStage system. An attacker with valid credentials could compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data processing operations and the underlying infrastructure.

Technologies: [IBM DataStage](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/datastage). Vendors: [IBM](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/ibm).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-16428 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-16428 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-16428?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 8.8, published 14 September 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** IBM DataStage 5.4.0.0.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-16428?** 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-2026-16428 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a hosted service.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-16428?** Check whether you run 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

This vulnerability stems from improper control of XSLT transformation generation (CWE-94), allowing code injection into the XSLT engine. The affected component is the XSLT transformation engine within IBM DataStage on Cloud Pak for Data version 5.4.0.0. The vulnerability requires network access and valid authentication credentials, with no user interaction needed. A remote authenticated attacker can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the DataStage service, leading to full system compromise. IBM has published this vulnerability in their security bulletin; patch availability should be verified through IBM's support portal.

## Affected products

- IBM DataStage 5.4.0.0

## Timeline

- 2026-09-14: disclosed

## References

- [https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7286562](https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7286562)

## 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 arbitrary file write](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-16427-ibm-datastage-on-cloud-pak-for-data-5-4-0-0-could-allow-a-remote)
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- [IBM DataStage on Cloud Pak for Data command injection via environment variables](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-81552-ibm-datastage-on-cloud-pak-for-data-5-4-0-0-could-allow-a-remote)
- [IBM DataStage command injection in Cloud Pak for Data](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-81545-ibm-datastage-on-cloud-pak-for-data-5-4-0-0-could-allow-a-remote)