CVE-2023-28528: IBM AIX · OS Command Injection
Affects IBM AIXSource CVE Database V5
Not known to be exploited · public exploit available (Metasploit) · CVSS 8.4 High.
Data as of 25 Oct 2026, 19:02 UTC
- EPSS
- 1.4% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 73% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HExploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 28 Apr 2023
Detectable: no evidence on record.
No public nuclei template indexed
Weaponised: evidence found.
Exploited in the wildExploited: no evidence on record.
Not in CISA KEV and no source reports exploitation
Observed by OffSeq MirageSeen by Mirage: no evidence on record.
No attack traffic recorded by OffSeq Mirage sensors
A missing step is not evidence of safety. Sources: cve.org (opens in a new tab), the Metasploit, Exploit-DB and nuclei-templates index as of 2026-10-25.
What to do
Affected software
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
Aixaix/aixpkg:rpm/aix/aixOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Check your own hosts for these packages with threat-finder (opens in a new tab), our free open-source scanner.
AI-suggested
1. Immediately restrict local user access to IBM AIX systems, especially limiting the number of users who can execute the invscout command or have shell access. 2. Implement strict access control policies and use role-based access controls (RBAC) to minimize permissions granted to local users. 3. Monitor and audit usage of the invscout command and related system commands for unusual or unauthorized activity. 4. Employ host-based intrusion detection systems (HIDS) to detect anomalous command executions or privilege escalations. 5. Isolate critical AIX systems from less trusted networks and users to reduce the risk of local exploitation. 6. Regularly review and harden system configurations, disabling unnecessary services and commands where possible. 7. Stay updated with IBM security advisories and apply official patches or updates as soon as they become available. 8. Consider deploying application whitelisting or command execution restrictions to prevent unauthorized command injections. 9. Educate system administrators and users about the risks and signs of exploitation related to this vulnerability. 10. In virtualized environments using VIOS, ensure that virtual machine isolation and access controls are enforced to prevent lateral movement.
Description
IBM AIX 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, and VIOS 3.1 could allow a non-privileged local user to exploit a vulnerability in the invscout command to execute arbitrary commands. IBM X-Force ID: 251207.
References
- ibm.com/support/pages/node/6983232 (opens in a new tab)
- exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/251207 (opens in a new tab)
- packetstormsecurity.com/files/172458/IBM-AIX-7.2-inscout-Privilege-Escalation.html (opens in a new tab)
- talosintelligence.com/vulnerability_reports/TALOS-2023-1691 (opens in a new tab)