Executive brief
IBM DataStage is a data integration and transformation tool that processes enterprise data pipelines. A command injection vulnerability allows authenticated users to execute arbitrary system commands on the server, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, or service disruption. This requires valid authentication but no additional user interaction to exploit.
Technical details
CVE-2026-16466 is an OS command injection vulnerability (CWE-78) in IBM DataStage running on Cloud Pak for Data 5.4.0.0. The vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of special elements in OS commands, allowing an authenticated attacker to inject and execute arbitrary system commands. The attack vector is network-based and requires valid user authentication; no special privileges or user interaction are needed. Successful exploitation grants the attacker command execution with the privileges of the DataStage process, potentially enabling data exfiltration, lateral movement, or infrastructure compromise. Patch availability status is not documented in the advisory content provided.
Affected products
- IBM DataStage 5.4.0.0
Timeline
- 2026-09-14: disclosed