CVE-2026-16848: CWE-78 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection') in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-16848 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 shell metacharacters in DHCP options, leading to OS command injection.
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) where improper neutralization of special shell characters in DHCP options can be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.8, indicating high severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, and no user interaction needed. Confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts are all high.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary OS commands without authentication, potentially leading to full system compromise including data disclosure, modification, and denial of service.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. No official patch or workaround information is provided in the available data.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T03:15:34.464Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a860991acd9273b498b4c25
Added to database: 08/19/2026, 19:52:49 UTC
Last enriched: 09/11/2026, 06:02:00 UTC
Last updated: 10/04/2026, 10:02:25 UTC
Views: 40
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