# CVE-2026-18166: IBM Db2 arbitrary library loading via CREATE WRAPPER

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-18166-ibm-db2-11-5-0-through-11-5-9-and-12-1-0-through-12-1-5-for-linux  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-10-12. Updated: 2026-10-16  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-18166 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.7 · Published 2026-10-12

IBM Db2 is a database server used across enterprises to store and manage critical data. A vulnerability in the CREATE WRAPPER command allows authenticated database users with elevated privileges to load arbitrary libraries and read sensitive files from the host system. An attacker with database access could extract confidential information such as credentials, keys, or other data stored on the server.

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-2026-18166 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-18166 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-18166?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.7, published 12 October 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-2026-18166?** Yes: fixed in Db2 V11.5.9 with Security Update #94236 or later; Db2 V12.1.4 with Security Update #94722 or later; Db2 V12.1.5 with Security Update #94858 or later. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-18166 attacked?** It is attacked over the network.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-18166?** 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.

## How to fix

- Fixed in Db2 V11.5.9 with Security Update #94236 or later; Db2 V12.1.4 with Security Update #94722 or later; Db2 V12.1.5 with Security Update #94858 or later

## Technical details

The vulnerability is an improper access control flaw (CWE-284) in the CREATE WRAPPER command that permits privileged database users to load arbitrary libraries, bypassing authorization checks. The attack requires valid database authentication and elevated user privileges, but does not require user interaction or additional complexity. A successful exploit allows the attacker to read arbitrary files from the underlying host filesystem.

## 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

- 2026-10-08: disclosed

## References

- [https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7291606](https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7291606)

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