PatchTheCEVCVE-2026-16856: IBM i 7.6, and 7.5 could allow a local attacker to gain elevated privileges due to improper neutralization of
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HIGH 8.8DOWNGRADE
CVE-2026-16856 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.8) affecting i. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
IBM i 7.6, and 7.5 could allow a local attacker to gain elevated privileges due to improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command.
Why this priority
- High severity
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 8.8 (High) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | Low |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 0.5% (top 58%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-78 |
| Published | 2026-08-12 |
| Last modified | 2026-10-23 |
Publisher (CNA): IBM Corporation · Vendor: ibm
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
ibm i DOWNGRADE
Affected: 7.5 · 7.6
Fixed in: no fixed release known
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 7.5
1. Check installed version
apt-cache policy i || rpm -q i || i --version
2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 7.5 (Debian / Ubuntu)
apt-cache madison i
sudo apt install i=<VERSION_BEFORE_7.5>
sudo apt-mark hold i
2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
dnf --showduplicates list i
sudo dnf downgrade i-<VERSION_BEFORE_7.5>
sudo dnf versionlock add i
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.
Exact fixes by distribution
A distro patch exists: prefer upgrading over downgrading.
Fedora 46 · clementine · FIXED · 1.4.2-1.fc46 · FEDORA-2026-3e748ef4d3 · source
sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=FEDORA-2026-3e748ef4d3
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.
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.
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