CVE-2026-16842: CWE-78 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection') in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-16842 is a high-severity vulnerability in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary OS commands. This occurs due to improper neutralization of special elements in OS commands, classified as CWE-78 OS Command Injection. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 score of 8.8, indicating high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No known exploits are reported in the wild. No patch or remediation details are provided in the available data.
CVSS v3.1
Score 8.8high
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
IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, along with IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1, contain an OS command injection vulnerability (CWE-78) identified as CVE-2026-16842. This flaw arises from improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, enabling a remote attacker to execute arbitrary commands without privileges or user interaction. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.8, reflecting high impact across confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability is published and assigned by IBM but lacks explicit patch or mitigation information in the provided data.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary OS commands on affected IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS systems, potentially leading to full system compromise including unauthorized access, data disclosure, and disruption of service.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the IBM vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. No official fix or workaround information is provided in the available data.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T03:04:50.925Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a86098facd9273b498b4bfd
Added to database: 08/19/2026, 19:52:47 UTC
Last enriched: 09/11/2026, 06:02:21 UTC
Last updated: 10/04/2026, 10:02:25 UTC
Views: 45
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