CVE-2026-16816: CWE-78 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection') in IBM AIX
CVE-2026-16816 is a critical OS command injection vulnerability in IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It allows a remote authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary commands due to improper neutralization of special elements in OS commands. The vulnerability has a high CVSS score of 9.9, indicating severe impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability (CVE-2026-16816) affects IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It arises from improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, which can be exploited by a remote authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 9.9, reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, required privileges, no user interaction, and complete impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary OS commands, potentially leading to full system compromise including unauthorized access, data modification, and denial of service.
Mitigation Recommendations
No patch or official remediation information is provided in the input data. Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the IBM vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a fix is available, limit remote access to trusted users and monitor for suspicious activity related to command execution.
CVE-2026-16816: CWE-78 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection') in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-16816 is a critical OS command injection vulnerability in IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It allows a remote authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary commands due to improper neutralization of special elements in OS commands. The vulnerability has a high CVSS score of 9.9, indicating severe impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
CVSS v3.1
Score 9.9critical
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-2026-16816) affects IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It arises from improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, which can be exploited by a remote authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 9.9, reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, required privileges, no user interaction, and complete impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary OS commands, potentially leading to full system compromise including unauthorized access, data modification, and denial of service.
Mitigation Recommendations
No patch or official remediation information is provided in the input data. Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the IBM vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a fix is available, limit remote access to trusted users and monitor for suspicious activity related to command execution.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T01:37:29.079Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a85c706acd9273b493b2ff6
Added to database: 08/19/2026, 15:08:54 UTC
Last enriched: 09/11/2026, 08:18:51 UTC
Last updated: 10/03/2026, 02:46:03 UTC
Views: 52
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