# CVE-2026-16480: IBM Db2 improper authorization in command

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-16480-ibm-db2-improper-authorization-in-command  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-08-12. Updated: 2026-09-25  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-16480 · Severity: medium · CVSS 4.3 · Published 2026-08-12

IBM Db2 is a database management system used by enterprises to store and manage critical business data. A vulnerability in certain Db2 commands allows non-privileged database users to bypass authorization checks and modify sensitive database catalog data, potentially compromising data integrity and enabling unauthorized changes to the database structure.

Technologies: [IBM Db2](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/db2). Vendors: [IBM](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/ibm).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-16480 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-16480 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-16480?** Medium severity, with a CVSS score of 4.3, published 12 August 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** IBM Db2 11.5.0 through 11.5.9, 12.1.0 through 12.1.5.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-16480?** 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-2026-16480 attacked?** It is attacked over the network.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-16480?** Check whether you run IBM Db2 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 is an improper authorization vulnerability (CWE-602: Client-Side Enforcement of Server-Side Security) affecting certain Db2 commands. The vulnerability allows a non-privileged user to bypass authority checks and modify database catalog data. Attack requires network access and valid database credentials (PR:L). The vulnerability has been patched via security updates available for affected versions; fixes include interim patches for V11.5.9, V12.1.4, and V12.1.5. No exploitation in the wild has been reported.

## Affected products

- IBM Db2 11.5.0 through 11.5.9, 12.1.0 through 12.1.5

## Timeline

- 2026-08-12: disclosed

## References

- [https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7282951](https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7282951)

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