CVE-2026-81657Network attack vector

Unauthenticated code execution via untrusted deserialization

Published Sep 18, 2026 · Updated Sep 18, 2026

Untrusted-data deserialization in IBM Guardium Data Protection 12.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code. IBM has not disclosed the affected component, serialization format, entry point, or operation that deserializes attacker-controlled data. Exploitation requires network reachability but no authentication or user interaction, and successful execution can compromise the appliance.

CVSS severity9.8
Critical
EPSS probability0.85%
Next 30 days · Oct 19, 2026
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Based on sourced intelligence
Hinoki checkNot available
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Summary

What happened

Untrusted-data deserialization in IBM Guardium Data Protection 12.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code. IBM has not disclosed the affected component, serialization format, entry point, or operation that deserializes attacker-controlled data. Exploitation requires network reachability but no authentication or user interaction, and successful execution can compromise the appliance.

The record

CVE
CVE-2026-81657
Published
Sep 18, 2026
Updated
Sep 18, 2026
Vendor
IBM
Product
Guardium Data Protection
Classifications
CWE-502, T1190
Attack vector
network
Privileges
unauthenticated

Timeline

How it unfolded

  1. Sep 18, 2026CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
  2. Sep 18, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.

Exploitability

Present is not the same as exploitable

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Is a vulnerable build present?

Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.

  1. Affected versionversion=12.2

What conditions does exploitation require?

Attack vectornetwork
Required privilegesunauthenticated

What is affected?

IBM · Guardium Data Protectionversion=12.2

Published CVSS scores

9.8IBMCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.

Attacks

What attackers are doing with it

Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.

Activity data is delayed. The latest report is Sep 28, 2026.

Daily unique IPsNo honeypot observations are available for this CVE in the selected window.

No observations available

Sep 22, 2026Sep 28, 2026
Latest reporting daySep 28, 2026
Latest daily unique IPsUnavailable
Prior 30-day averageUnavailable
SourceShadowserver honeypots (KEV)
Vectornetwork
Privilegesunauthenticated
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Public exploitUnconfirmed

Weakness, pattern, technique

CWE-502Deserialization of Untrusted Data
T1190Exploit Public-Facing Application

Public exploit references

No public exploit references are available in this record.

Labels summarize the accepted research assessment. They do not indicate a test against your environment.

Technologies

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