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, as well as 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 CVSS score of 9.9, indicating high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No official patch or remediation guidance is currently provided by the vendor.
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, enabling remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected systems. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 9.9 (AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H), reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, required privileges, no user interaction, and critical impact on system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability is published and assigned by IBM but currently lacks an official remediation level or patch information.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary OS commands, potentially leading to full system compromise including complete loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of 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 remote authenticated access to affected systems and monitor for suspicious command execution activities.
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, as well as 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 CVSS score of 9.9, indicating high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No official patch or remediation guidance is currently provided by the vendor.
CVSS v3.1
Score 9.9critical
Affected software
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, enabling remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected systems. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 9.9 (AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H), reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, required privileges, no user interaction, and critical impact on system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability is published and assigned by IBM but currently lacks an official remediation level or patch information.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary OS commands, potentially leading to full system compromise including complete loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of 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 remote authenticated access to affected systems and monitor for suspicious command execution activities.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T01:37:29.079Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a85c706acd9273b493b2ff6
Added to database: 08/19/2026, 15:08:54 UTC
Last enriched: 08/19/2026, 15:37:59 UTC
Last updated: 08/19/2026, 15:52:10 UTC
Views: 2
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