DataStage on Cloud Pak for Data: Insufficiently Protected Credentials
CVE-2026-81208 is a high-severity insufficiently protected credentials vulnerability in DataStage on Cloud Pak for Data from IBM, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.7 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected DataStage on Cloud Pak for Data versions: 5.4.0.0. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.34% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of DataStage on Cloud Pak for Data you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on ibm.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| IBM | DataStage on Cloud Pak for Data | 5.4.0.0 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:N/A:N. Scored by CNA (us.ibm.com).
Official description
IBM DataStage on Cloud Pak for Data 5.4.0.0 could allow an authenticated user to access sensitive information due to improper handling of encrypted credentials. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to obtain credentials intended for other users or environments.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Insufficiently Protected Credentials
The product transmits or stores authentication credentials, but it uses an insecure method that is susceptible to unauthorized interception and/or retrieval.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use an appropriate security mechanism to protect the credentials.
- Make appropriate use of cryptography to protect the credentials.
- Use industry standards to protect the credentials (e.g. LDAP, keystore, etc.).
More Insufficiently Protected Credentials vulnerabilities (CWE-522)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Other vulnerabilities in DataStage on Cloud Pak for Data
- 9.9 Critical severity
- 7.7 High severity
- 10.0 Critical severity
- 7.4 High severity
- 9.9 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
Recent Insufficiently Protected Credentials vulnerabilities
- 7.1 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 9.9 Critical severity
- 10.0 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.4 Critical severity
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