---
id: "CVE-2026-17488"
kind: "vulnerability"
aliases: ["CVE-2026-17488"]
title: "IBM i: authenticated remote user can bypass security restrictions"
severity: "medium"
cvss: 6.5
epss: null
exploited: false
status: "open"
category: "infrastructure"
products: [{"name": "ibm i", "fixed": [], "affected": "= 7.3", "ecosystem": "vendor"}, {"name": "ibm i", "fixed": [], "affected": "= 7.4", "ecosystem": "vendor"}, {"name": "ibm i", "fixed": [], "affected": "= 7.5", "ecosystem": "vendor"}, {"name": "ibm i", "fixed": [], "affected": "= 7.6", "ecosystem": "vendor"}]
ecosystems: ["vendor"]
tags: ["as400", "ibm-i", "infrastructure", "self-hosted"]
not_affected_if: ["no-remote-authenticated-users"]
published_at: "2026-10-16T19:17:06+00:00"
first_seen_at: "2026-10-23T21:57:14+00:00"
updated_at: "2026-10-25T03:57:47+00:00"
sources: [{"source": "nvd", "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-17488", "first_seen_at": "2026-10-23T21:57:14+00:00"}]
---

# IBM i: authenticated remote user can bypass security restrictions

IBM i versions 7.3 through 7.6 have an improper authentication flaw. A remote attacker who already holds valid credentials can bypass security restrictions.

_Summary, check and fix written by a model from the sources; labelled as such._

## Affected

- vendor:ibm i affected = 7.3 fixed ?
- vendor:ibm i affected = 7.4 fixed ?
- vendor:ibm i affected = 7.5 fixed ?
- vendor:ibm i affected = 7.6 fixed ?

## How to check

- Check the installed IBM i release with `DSPPTF` or `GO LICPGM` on the IBM i partition and compare it to the fixed levels in IBM's bulletin
- unknown whether the sources list the affected PTF group numbers

## Fix

- Apply the IBM i PTF or group PTF that IBM published for this CVE; the sources do not name the exact PTF, so the version to move to is unknown
- Review IBM's security bulletin for the CVE to confirm the fixed level

## Timeline

- 2026-10-23T21:57:14+00:00 nvd https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-17488

## From the sources

IBM i 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, and 7.6 could allow a remote authenticated attacker to bypass security restrictions due to improper authentication.

---

_Free to read at a human pace. An API with keys and an MCP server are in preparation; early access: hello@infrastack.ai_