# CVE-2026-16702: IBM Db2 null pointer dereference in federated server

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-16702-ibm-db2-null-pointer-dereference-in-federated-server  
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-2026-16702 · Severity: medium · CVSS 6.5 · Published 2026-09-14

IBM Db2 is a relational database system used by enterprises to store and manage critical business data. An authenticated attacker can trigger a crash in the Db2 federated server component, causing the database service to become unavailable and disrupting business operations that depend on database access.

Technologies: [IBM Db2](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/db2), [IBM DB2 Connect Server](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/db2-connect-server). Vendors: [IBM](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/ibm).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-16702 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-16702 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-16702?** Medium severity, with a CVSS score of 6.5, published 14 September 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** IBM Db2 11.5.0 through 11.5.9, 12.1.0 through 12.1.5; IBM DB2 Connect Server 11.5.0 through 11.5.9, 12.1.0 through 12.1.5.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-16702?** 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-2026-16702 attacked?** It is attacked over the network.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-16702?** Check whether you run IBM Db2 or IBM DB2 Connect Server 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

The vulnerability is a null pointer dereference (CWE-476) in IBM Db2 11.5.0–11.5.9 and 12.1.0–12.1.5 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows, including Db2 Connect Server. An attacker with valid database authentication credentials can trigger this defect through remote network access, causing the Db2 federated server process to crash and resulting in denial of service. No user interaction is required beyond the attacker supplying crafted database commands or queries. IBM has released security updates for affected versions (V11.5.9, V12.1.4, and V12.1.5) available at their support portal.

## Affected products

- IBM Db2 11.5.0 through 11.5.9, 12.1.0 through 12.1.5
- IBM Db2 Connect Server 11.5.0 through 11.5.9, 12.1.0 through 12.1.5

## Timeline

- 2026-09-10: disclosed: Initial publication of security bulletin

## References

- [https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7286981](https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7286981)

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