CVE-2026-16686: CWE-287 Improper Authentication in IBM AIX
CVE-2026-16686 is a high severity vulnerability in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 that involves improper authentication. This flaw could allow a remote attacker to access NFS-exported filesystems without proper authorization. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.2, indicating a significant confidentiality impact. No patch or remediation information is currently provided.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability (CVE-2026-16686) affects IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, as well as IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It is classified under CWE-287 (Improper Authentication) and allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to NFS-exported filesystems due to inadequate authentication mechanisms. The CVSS 3.1 score is 8.2 with vector AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:L/A:N, indicating network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, no user interaction, unchanged scope, high confidentiality impact, low integrity impact, and no availability impact.
Potential Impact
An attacker can remotely access NFS-exported filesystems without proper authentication, leading to a high confidentiality breach. Integrity impact is low, and availability is not affected. This could expose sensitive data stored on the affected systems.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, restrict network access to NFS services and monitor for unauthorized access attempts.
CVE-2026-16686: CWE-287 Improper Authentication in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-16686 is a high severity vulnerability in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 that involves improper authentication. This flaw could allow a remote attacker to access NFS-exported filesystems without proper authorization. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.2, indicating a significant confidentiality impact. No patch or remediation information is currently provided.
CVSS v3.1
Score 8.2high
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 (CVE-2026-16686) affects IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, as well as IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It is classified under CWE-287 (Improper Authentication) and allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to NFS-exported filesystems due to inadequate authentication mechanisms. The CVSS 3.1 score is 8.2 with vector AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:L/A:N, indicating network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, no user interaction, unchanged scope, high confidentiality impact, low integrity impact, and no availability impact.
Potential Impact
An attacker can remotely access NFS-exported filesystems without proper authentication, leading to a high confidentiality breach. Integrity impact is low, and availability is not affected. This could expose sensitive data stored on the affected systems.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, restrict network access to NFS services and monitor for unauthorized access attempts.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-22T23:44:11.090Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a85c706acd9273b493b2fec
Added to database: 08/19/2026, 15:08:54 UTC
Last enriched: 09/11/2026, 08:19:14 UTC
Last updated: 10/02/2026, 02:46:03 UTC
Views: 47
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