CVE-2026-16846: CWE-476 NULL Pointer Dereference in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-16846 is a vulnerability in IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1, where a remote attacker could cause a denial of service due to a null pointer dereference. The vulnerability does not affect confidentiality or integrity but impacts availability. It has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 6.5, indicating medium severity.
CVSS v3.1
Score 6.5medium
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 involves a null pointer dereference in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. A remote attacker can exploit this flaw to cause a denial of service condition. The CVSS vector indicates the attack can be performed remotely with low attack complexity, no privileges required, and no user interaction. The impact is limited to availability, with no confidentiality or integrity impact reported.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation results in denial of service, causing system unavailability. There is no impact on confidentiality or integrity of the affected systems.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T03:11:02.010Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a860991acd9273b498b4c21
Added to database: 08/19/2026, 19:52:49 UTC
Last enriched: 09/11/2026, 07:48:58 UTC
Last updated: 10/04/2026, 10:02:25 UTC
Views: 42
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