Key points
- The flaw affects DataPower Gateway versions 10.5.0.0 through 10.5.0.22, 10.6.1 through 10.6.6, 10.6.0.0 through 10.6.0.10, and 11.0.0.0 through 11.0.0.2.
- National Vulnerability Database rates CVE-2026-14502 as critical with a CVSS score of 9.8.
- Attackers can exploit the issue by submitting empty passwords during LDAP authentication to obtain administrative access.
The short version
- IBM DataPower Gateway contains a critical authentication bypass vulnerability.
- Remote attackers can gain administrative privileges by exploiting flawed LDAP password handling.
- Multiple major version lines, including 10.5, 10.6, and 11.0, are currently affected.
The details
Security researchers and database entries have identified a severe flaw within IBM DataPower Gateway that threatens the integrity of network security appliances. Designated as CVE-2026-14502, this vulnerability stems from a failure in the system’s authentication logic. Specifically, the gateway does not correctly reject empty passwords when processing LDAP authentication requests.
According to the National Vulnerability Database, this weakness allows a remote attacker to circumvent standard security controls. By leveraging this misconfiguration, an adversary can obtain full administrative access to the device. The National Vulnerability Database has assigned a CVSS score of 9.8 to this issue, classifying it as critical. The underlying weakness is categorised under CWE-287, which relates to improper authentication mechanisms.
The scope of the vulnerability is broad, impacting several release branches of the DataPower Gateway. Systems running version 10.5.0.0 through 10.5.0.22 are vulnerable. Similarly, versions 10.6.1 through 10.6.6 and 10.6.0.0 through 10.6.0.10 are affected. The flaw also extends to the newer 11.0 series, specifically versions 11.0.0.0 through 11.0.0.2. Organisations deploying these specific builds must assess their exposure immediately.
The context
LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) is commonly used for centralised user authentication. When an application fails to validate that a password field is populated, it creates a direct path for unauthorised access. In the case of IBM DataPower Gateway, this failure allows an attacker to bypass the need for valid credentials entirely, provided they can target the LDAP authentication interface.
Given that DataPower Gateway devices often sit at the perimeter of enterprise networks, handling sensitive traffic and API requests, gaining administrative control over them is particularly dangerous. An attacker with root or admin access can potentially intercept data, alter configurations, or pivot deeper into the internal network. The high CVSS score reflects the ease of exploitation and the severe impact of a successful breach.
Defender's checklist
- Audit your inventory to identify any DataPower Gateway instances running affected versions.
- Verify that LDAP authentication configurations enforce non-empty password policies at the directory level, although this may not mitigate the application-level flaw.
- Monitor logs for any authentication attempts using empty password fields, which would indicate exploitation.
- Restrict network access to the DataPower Gateway management interfaces to trusted administrative IPs only.
- Await official patches from IBM; do not assume temporary workarounds fully resolve the authentication bypass.
What to do and how to stay safe: IBM
- Patches repair specific code flaws that attackers can predict and exploit.
- Automatic software updates reduce the window of exposure to known threats.
- An IT asset inventory ensures you do not overlook forgotten or legacy systems.
Unpatched software leaves known entry points open for automated attacks. Enable automatic updates and maintain an inventory of all your devices.
Step-by-step guide: Unpatched Software: Why Missing Updates Create Hidden Entry Points
General security guidance from the Cipher Insider newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
Which IBM DataPower Gateway versions are affected by CVE-2026-14502?
Versions 10.5.0.0 through 10.5.0.22, 10.6.1 through 10.6.6, 10.6.0.0 through 10.6.0.10, and 11.0.0.0 through 11.0.0.2 are affected.
How severe is this vulnerability?
The National Vulnerability Database rates it as critical with a CVSS score of 9.8.
What is the primary impact of exploiting this flaw?
A remote attacker can obtain administrative access to the gateway by exploiting the failure to reject empty LDAP passwords.
