# CVE-2026-81545: IBM DataStage command injection in Cloud Pak for Data

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-81545-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-2026-81545 · Severity: high · CVSS 8.8 · Published 2026-09-24

IBM DataStage is a data integration tool used to build pipelines for processing business data. A remote authenticated attacker can inject arbitrary commands into the system, gaining the ability to execute code with the privileges of the DataStage process, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or service disruption.

Technologies: [IBM DataStage](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/datastage). Vendors: [IBM](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/ibm).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-81545 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-81545 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-81545?** 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-2026-81545?** 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-2026-81545 attacked?** It is attacked over the network.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-81545?** Check whether you run IBM DataStage 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

OS command injection via improper neutralization of special elements in an OS command (CWE-78). Attack requires prior authentication and network access. Successful exploitation allows arbitrary command execution with DataStage process privileges, enabling data exfiltration and system compromise. IBM has released patches.

## Affected products

- IBM DataStage on Cloud Pak for Data 5.4.0.0

## Timeline

- 2026-09-24: disclosed

## References

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

## Related threats

- [IBM DataStage path traversal arbitrary file deletion](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-81542-ibm-datastage-on-cloud-pak-for-data-5-4-0-0-could-allow-a-remote)
- [IBM DataStage path traversal arbitrary file write](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-16427-ibm-datastage-on-cloud-pak-for-data-5-4-0-0-could-allow-a-remote)
- [IBM DataStage path traversal in Cloud Pak for Data](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-82094-ibm-datastage-on-cloud-pak-for-data-5-4-0-0-could-allow-a-remote)
- [IBM DataStage on Cloud Pak for Data command injection via environment variables](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-81552-ibm-datastage-on-cloud-pak-for-data-5-4-0-0-could-allow-a-remote)
- [IBM DataStage credential decryption oracle in Cloud Pak for Data](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-81208-ibm-datastage-on-cloud-pak-for-data-5-4-0-0-could-allow-an)