CVE-2026-16656: CWE-287 Improper Authentication in IBM AIX
CVE-2026-16656 is a critical improper authentication vulnerability affecting IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, as well as IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. This flaw could allow a remote attacker to gain root privileges without proper authentication.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability (CWE-287) in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 allows remote attackers to bypass authentication controls, potentially leading to full root access. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 9.8, indicating critical severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges or user interaction required, and impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability at a high level.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise with root privileges, allowing an attacker full control over the affected systems. This includes unauthorized access, data manipulation, and service disruption.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. No official patch or workaround information is provided in the available data.
CVE-2026-16656: CWE-287 Improper Authentication in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-16656 is a critical improper authentication vulnerability affecting IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, as well as IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. This flaw could allow a remote attacker to gain root privileges without proper authentication.
CVSS v3.1
Score 9.8critical
Affected software
IBM
AIX
IBM
PowerVM VIOS
cpe:2.3:a:ibm:aix:7.2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*cpe:2.3:a:ibm:aix:7.2.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*cpe:2.3:a:ibm:aix:7.3:*:*:*:*:*:*:*cpe:2.3:a:ibm:aix:7.3.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*cpe:2.3:a:ibm:powervm_vios:4.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*cpe:2.3:a:ibm:powervm_vios:4.1.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*Run on your own infrastructure? Check whether these packages are installed with threat-finder — our free open-source scanner.
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability (CWE-287) in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 allows remote attackers to bypass authentication controls, potentially leading to full root access. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 9.8, indicating critical severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges or user interaction required, and impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability at a high level.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise with root privileges, allowing an attacker full control over the affected systems. This includes unauthorized access, data manipulation, and service disruption.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. No official patch or workaround information is provided in the available data.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-22T19:23:22.019Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a85c706acd9273b493b2fea
Added to database: 08/19/2026, 15:08:54 UTC
Last enriched: 09/11/2026, 08:19:20 UTC
Last updated: 10/02/2026, 10:35:47 UTC
Views: 46
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