# CVE-2026-17408: IBM API Connect arbitrary code execution in OS command

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-17408-ibm-api-connect-10-0-8-0-through-10-0-8-12-and-12-1-0-0-through  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-11-07. Updated: 2026-11-07  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-17408 · Severity: critical · CVSS 9.8 · Published 2026-11-07

IBM API Connect is an API management platform that handles integration and security for enterprise APIs. CVE-2026-17408 is a remote code execution vulnerability affecting versions 10.0.8.0–10.0.8.12 and 12.1.0.0–12.1.1.2, allowing unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the server. An attacker can compromise the entire API infrastructure, steal sensitive data, disrupt service, or launch further attacks on connected systems.

Technologies: [IBM API Connect](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/api-connect). Vendors: [IBM](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/ibm).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-17408 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-17408 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-17408?** Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 9.8, published 7 November 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** IBM API Connect 10.0.8.0 through 10.0.8.12, 12.1.0.0 through 12.1.1.2.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-17408?** 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-2026-17408 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a hosted service.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-17408?** Check whether you run IBM API Connect 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 results from improper neutralization of special elements in OS command construction, allowing an attacker to inject and execute arbitrary shell commands. No authentication or user interaction is required; the vulnerability is reachable over the network. Exploitation grants full code execution on the API Connect server, compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of all managed APIs and configuration.

## Affected products

- IBM API Connect 10.0.8.0 through 10.0.8.12, 12.1.0.0 through 12.1.1.2

## Timeline

- 2026-11-07: disclosed

## References

- [https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7295635](https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7295635)
- [https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7295637](https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7295637)

## Related threats

- [IBM API Connect server-side request forgery](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-75590-ibm-api-connect-12-1-0-0-through-12-1-1-2-could-allow-a-remote)
- [IBM API Connect missing authorization in index access](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-19131-ibm-api-connect-12-1-0-0-through-12-1-1-2-could-allow-low)
- [IBM API Connect improper backup server certificate verification](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-19129-ibm-api-connect-10-0-8-0-through-10-0-8-12-and-12-1-0-0-through)
- [IBM API Connect server-side request forgery via unauthorized request](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-19128-ibm-api-connect-12-1-0-0-through-12-1-1-2-could-allow-an)
- [IBM API Connect weak cryptographic algorithms in authentication](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-19126-ibm-api-connect-10-0-8-0-through-10-0-8-12-and-12-1-0-0-through)