CVE-2026-16480: IBM Db2 11.5.0 through 11.5.9, and 12.1.0 through 12.1.5 is affected by an improper authorization vulnerabilit

Routine

MEDIUM 4.3UPGRADE

CVE-2026-16480 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.3) affecting db2. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

IBM Db2 11.5.0 through 11.5.9, and 12.1.0 through 12.1.5 is affected by an improper authorization vulnerability in the certain command, allowing a non-privileged user to bypass authority checks and modify database catalog data.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	4.3 (Medium)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.3% (top 74%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-602
Published	2026-08-12
Last modified	2026-10-23

Publisher (CNA): IBM Corporation · Vendor: ibm

Last updated 2026-10-23 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-08-12 21:17 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-23 19:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

ibm db2 UPGRADE

Affected: >= 11.5 and <= 11.5.9 · >= 12.1.0 and <= 12.1.5

Fixed in: newer than 12.1.5

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 11.5

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy db2 || rpm -q db2 || db2 --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 12.1.5 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade db2

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade db2

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 11.5 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison db2 sudo apt install db2=<VERSION_BEFORE_11.5> sudo apt-mark hold db2

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list db2 sudo dnf downgrade db2-<VERSION_BEFORE_11.5> sudo dnf versionlock add db2

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2026-16480?

db2: upgrade to newer than 12.1.5. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-16480 being exploited?

CVE-2026-16480 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2026-16480 affect?

CVE-2026-16480 affects db2. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.3). IBM Db2 11.5.0 through 11.5.9, and 12.1.0 through 12.1.5 is affected by an improper authorization vulnerability in the certain command, allowing a non-privileged user to bypass authority checks and modify database catalog data.

How urgent is CVE-2026-16480?

Priority 21/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

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References

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