CVE-2026-16851: CWE-416 Use After Free in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-16851 is a use-after-free vulnerability in IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, as well as IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. This flaw could allow a remote attacker to cause a denial of service condition. The vulnerability does not impact confidentiality or integrity but affects availability. It has a CVSS v3.1 score of 7.4, indicating a high severity level.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.4high
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-2026-16851) involves a use-after-free condition 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, impacting system availability. The CVSS vector indicates the attack requires adjacent network access with low complexity and no privileges or user interaction. There is no indication of confidentiality or integrity impact. No known exploits are reported in the wild. No patch or remediation information is provided in the input data.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation results in denial of service (availability impact) on affected IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS systems. There is no impact on confidentiality or integrity according to the CVSS vector. The attack can be performed remotely from an adjacent network without privileges or user interaction.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. No official fix or workaround information is provided in the input data. Users should monitor IBM security advisories for updates and apply patches once available.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T03:22:32.830Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a860991acd9273b498b4c2b
Added to database: 08/19/2026, 19:52:49 UTC
Last enriched: 09/11/2026, 06:01:49 UTC
Last updated: 10/04/2026, 16:08:36 UTC
Views: 34
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