IBM DataPower Gateway Out-of-Bounds Write Flaw Rated CVSS 9.8

IBM DataPower Gateway contains a severe security flaw that permits remote attackers to execute arbitrary code. The issue stems from an out-of-bounds write error, a type of memory corruption where data is written beyond the allocated buffer limits. This vulnerability has been assigned the identifier CVE-2026-15762 by the National Vulnerability Database. The severity rating is Critical, with a CVSS score of 9.8, indicating that the flaw is easily exploitable and could lead to total system compromise without prior authentication.

Root cause

The underlying technical weakness is classified as CWE-787, which denotes an out-of-bounds write. In software engineering, this occurs when a program fails to correctly validate the boundaries of a memory buffer before writing data to it. When an attacker sends a specially crafted request, the application writes data into adjacent memory locations. This corruption can overwrite control structures, such as return addresses or function pointers. By manipulating these structures, an attacker can redirect the execution flow of the program to malicious code of their choosing. The complexity of the exploit is low, meaning that standard technical skills are sufficient to leverage the flaw.

Attack path

The attack vector is remote, meaning the attacker does not need physical access to the target system or prior user interaction. Because the vulnerability allows for arbitrary code execution, the attacker can potentially take full control of the affected server. This level of access enables the installation of malware, theft of sensitive data, or the use of the server as a pivot point for further lateral movement within the network. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability contributes to the maximum severity score.

Affected versions

The vulnerability impacts a wide range of IBM DataPower Gateway releases. The affected version spans include:

• Version 10.5.0.0 through 10.5.0.22
• Version 10.6.1 through 10.6.6
• Version 10.6.0.0 through 10.6.0.10
• Version 11.0.0.0 through 11.0.0.2

Mitigation

No patch, fix, or update has been confirmed yet for these affected versions. Security teams should monitor official IBM advisories for remediation guidance. In the interim, limiting network access to the gateway and implementing strict firewall rules may reduce the attack surface.

Background: National Vulnerability Database

The National Vulnerability Database provides standard identifiers for software flaws. You use these identifiers to automate patching and verify vendor claims. Small teams should cross-reference database entries with their IT asset inventory to prioritise fixes and avoid wasting time on irrelevant alerts.

Read the full guide: National Vulnerability Database: Small Business Action Plan

What to do and how to stay safe: IBM

• Immediate isolation of affected systems prevents further data exfiltration and privilege escalation.
• Credential rotation must cover all accounts, including service accounts and cached tokens, not just user passwords.
• Network segmentation limits blast radius by restricting trust relationships between different zones of the infrastructure.

Lateral movement exploits implicit trust within networks, making immediate isolation and thorough credential rotation critical. Rebuild compromised systems from clean images and implement zero trust principles to limit future attack surfaces.

Step-by-step guide: Lateral Movement Response: Containment, Recovery and Prevention Steps

General security guidance from the Vector Bulletin newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

What is the CVSS score for CVE-2026-15762?

The National Vulnerability Database rates this vulnerability as Critical with a CVSS score of 9.8.

Which IBM DataPower Gateway versions are vulnerable?

Versions 10.5.0.0 through 10.5.0.22, 10.6.0.0 through 10.6.0.10, 10.6.1 through 10.6.6, and 11.0.0.0 through 11.0.0.2 are affected.

Is there a fix available for this out-of-bounds write error?

No fix has been confirmed yet; users should await official vendor updates.