# CVE-2026-81539: IBM DataStage on Cloud Pak for Data OS command injection

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-81539-ibm-datastage-on-cloud-pak-for-data-5-4-0-0-could-allow-a-remote  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-09-24. Updated: 2026-09-26  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-81539 · Severity: high · CVSS 8.8 · Published 2026-09-24

IBM DataStage, a data integration and ETL platform, contains multiple OS command injection vulnerabilities that allow authenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary code. An attacker with valid credentials could compromise the system to exfiltrate data, deploy malware, or disrupt business operations. This affects DataStage running on IBM Cloud Pak for Data version 5.4.0.0 and potentially other versions.

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-2026-81539 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-81539 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-81539?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 8.8, published 24 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-2026-81539?** 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-2026-81539 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a hosted service.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-81539?** 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 stems from improper neutralization of special elements in OS command construction (CWE-78), affecting multiple components in DataStage. An authenticated attacker can inject shell metacharacters into command parameters to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the application. The attack requires valid credentials and network access but no user interaction, resulting in complete system compromise with confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact.

## Affected products

- IBM DataStage on Cloud Pak for Data 5.4.0.0

## References

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

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