CVE-2026-16822: CWE-295 Improper Certificate Validation in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-16822 is a critical vulnerability in IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1, involving improper certificate validation. This flaw could allow a remote attacker to impersonate the TNC policy server and modify network traffic. The vulnerability has a high CVSS score of 9.3, indicating significant risk. No information about available patches or vendor advisories is provided.
CVSS v3.1
Score 9.3critical
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-2026-16822) affects IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It arises from improper certificate validation (CWE-295), which could enable a remote attacker to impersonate the Trusted Network Connect (TNC) policy server and alter traffic. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 9.3 (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:H/A:N), reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges or user interaction required, scope change, limited confidentiality impact, high integrity impact, and no availability impact. No known exploits in the wild or patch information is provided.
Potential Impact
An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could impersonate the TNC policy server, potentially modifying network traffic. This could lead to integrity compromise of communications between clients and the policy server. Confidentiality impact is limited, and availability is not affected. The vulnerability is exploitable remotely without authentication or user interaction.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, monitor IBM's security advisories for updates regarding patches or mitigations for this vulnerability.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T02:09:59.258Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a860605acd9273b49871a9a
Added to database: 08/19/2026, 19:37:41 UTC
Last enriched: 09/11/2026, 06:32:32 UTC
Last updated: 10/04/2026, 18:53:14 UTC
Views: 43
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