CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2026-81536NVD status: Analyzed

DataStage on Cloud Pak for Data: Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2026-81536 is a high-severity improper restriction of XML external entity reference 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 0.47% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Check which version of DataStage on Cloud Pak for Data you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
  2. Read the advisory on ibm.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
IBMDataStage on Cloud Pak for Data5.4.0.0Not 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 a remote authenticated attacker to obtain sensitive information due to an XML external entity (XXE) injection.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference

The product processes an XML document that can contain XML entities with URIs that resolve to documents outside of the intended sphere of control, causing the product to embed incorrect documents into its output.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Many XML parsers and validators can be configured to disable external entity expansion.

More Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference vulnerabilities (CWE-611)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Other vulnerabilities in DataStage on Cloud Pak for Data

All DataStage on Cloud Pak for Data vulnerabilities

Recent Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference vulnerabilities

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