# CVE-2026-81537: IBM DataStage OS command injection

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-81537-ibm-datastage-on-cloud-pak-for-data-5-4-0-0-could-allow-a-remote  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-09-23. Updated: 2026-09-26  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-81537 · Severity: high · CVSS 8.8 · Published 2026-09-23

IBM DataStage on Cloud Pak for Data, a data integration and workflow management tool, contains an OS command injection vulnerability that allows authenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary code. An attacker with valid credentials could gain complete control over the system, access sensitive data, and disrupt operations. This vulnerability affects version 5.4.0.0 and requires a fix from IBM.

Technologies: [IBM Datastage On Cloud Pak For Data](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/datastage-on-cloud-pak-for-data). Vendors: [IBM](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/ibm).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-81537 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-81537 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-81537?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 8.8, published 23 September 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** IBM Datastage On Cloud Pak For Data 5.4.0.0.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-81537?** 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-2026-81537 attacked?** It is attacked over the network.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-81537?** Check whether you run IBM Datastage On Cloud Pak For Data 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 an OS command injection flaw (CWE-78) in the improper neutralization of special elements in OS commands. It requires network access and authentication, with no user interaction needed. An authenticated attacker can inject arbitrary OS commands to achieve remote code execution with the privileges of the DataStage process. The referenced advisory lists multiple related CVEs for this product with similar command injection issues.

## Affected products

- IBM DataStage on Cloud Pak for Data 5.4.0.0

## Timeline

- 2026-09-23: disclosed

## References

- [https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7288649](https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7288649)

## Related threats

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- [IBM DataStage path traversal arbitrary file write](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-16433-ibm-datastage-on-cloud-pak-for-data-5-4-0-0-could-allow-a-remote)
- [IBM DataStage on Cloud Pak for Data XSS in X-Forwarded-Host header](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-16325-ibm-datastage-on-cloud-pak-for-data-5-4-0-0-could-allow-a-remote)
- [IBM DataStage on Cloud Pak for Data path traversal](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-107331-ibm-datastage-on-cloud-pak-for-data-5-4-0-0-could-allow-a-remote)
- [IBM DataStage on Cloud Pak for Data SSRF](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-107330-ibm-datastage-on-cloud-pak-for-data-5-4-0-0-could-allow-a-remote)