External risk intelligence

IBM DataPower Gateway Out-of-Bounds Write Vulnerability

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 9.8)

CVE-2026-15762

IBM DataPower Gateway is an enterprise appliance designed specifically to function as an internet-facing edge gateway, security proxy, and API management solution. By its fundamental product role and standard deployment pattern, it is expected to reside at the network edge and process traffic directly from the public internet.

Out-of-bounds Write

Halo Surface Signal: 5 out of 5 — more likely to be public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A vulnerability in IBM DataPower Gateway could allow attackers to run unauthorized code remotely, impacting systems that manage network traffic and secure APIs at the edge of enterprise networks. The main concern is confirming relevance and exposure.

Code execution flaw found in gateway.
Gateway's internet-facing role matters.
Confirm if your gateway is exposed.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted network traffic to an exposed IBM DataPower Gateway. This traffic would target a flaw allowing an out-of-bounds write, potentially leading to the execution of arbitrary code on the affected system.

No authentication required.
Network traffic triggers write vulnerability.
Arbitrary code execution is possible.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A remote attacker could execute arbitrary code on an affected IBM DataPower Gateway when supported by the advisory. This could impact the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the gateway.

Gateway system data and services.
Out-of-bounds write when exploited.
Unauthorized code execution and control.

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

IBM DataPower Gateway is typically deployed at the network edge, making infrastructure, platform, and network/security teams primary stakeholders. The initial focus should be on identifying all DataPower instances, assessing their exposure and business criticality, and confirming the accountable owner. Remediation planning should then be risk-based, considering factors like vendor coordination and maintenance windows.

Infrastructure and security teams own this.
Verify external exposure and criticality first.
Plan vendor-coordinated remediation actions.

Supplementary metadata

CVSS vector

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

Halo Threat Intelligence helps prioritize remediation with Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context. Start exposure validation with a free external attack surface trial.

Free EASM Trial See How Signal Works

Frequently asked questions

What is IBM DataPower Gateway?

It is an enterprise-grade appliance designed to act as a secure intermediary for network traffic. Organizations use it to manage APIs, enforce security policies, and bridge connectivity between different services, often acting as a primary traffic controller at the edge of the network.

What does this CVE-2026-15762 vulnerability mean?

This flaw is classified as an out-of-bounds write (CWE-787). In plain terms, it means the software fails to properly check the size of incoming data, allowing it to write information into unauthorized areas of memory. This weakness is significant because it can lead to arbitrary code execution, where an attacker runs unauthorized commands on the appliance.

How can an attacker trigger this vulnerability?

An attacker triggers this by sending specially crafted network traffic to the appliance. The vulnerability does not require authentication, meaning an attacker does not need legitimate user credentials to attempt the exploit. Simply reaching the device over the network with the malicious data packet is sufficient to potentially initiate the out-of-bounds write.

Is my IBM DataPower Gateway at risk?

According to Halo Surface Signal, this software is specifically designed to function as an internet-facing edge gateway. Because these devices are frequently deployed to process traffic directly from the public internet, they are inherently more visible to remote attackers. You should consider any instance that accepts external traffic to be potentially relevant for review.

How should I respond if I run this technology?

First, create a complete inventory of your DataPower instances to identify which versions are in use. Assess the business criticality of each system and verify its current exposure to the network. Once accounted for, work with your infrastructure and security teams to plan updates according to the vendor's guidance, prioritizing systems that handle sensitive external traffic.

References

www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7289775

Written by Nicholas Merritt

Nicholas Merritt is VP of Security Solutions at Halo Security. With more than 25 years across application security, vulnerability prioritization, and offensive security, he helps teams translate threat data into practical exposure validation and remediation focus. He authors Halo Threat Intelligence CVE advisories using Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context to prioritize internet-facing risk.