CVE-2026-16857: CWE-287 Improper Authentication in IBM AIX
CVE-2026-16857 is a high severity vulnerability in IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, as well as IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1, involving improper authentication. This flaw could allow a remote attacker to manipulate network traffic and DNS configuration without requiring privileges or user interaction.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability (CWE-287) affects IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It stems from improper authentication mechanisms that could be exploited remotely to manipulate network traffic and DNS settings. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.2, indicating a high severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, and no user interaction needed. The impact is primarily on integrity, with limited availability impact. No official patch or remediation level has been published yet, and no known exploits are reported in the wild.
Potential Impact
An attacker can remotely manipulate network traffic and DNS configuration, potentially redirecting or intercepting communications. This could compromise the integrity of network operations and lead to further attacks or data interception. There is no indication of confidentiality impact, but integrity is highly affected, and availability impact is low.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, monitor IBM advisories for updates. No specific mitigations are provided in the current data.
CVE-2026-16857: CWE-287 Improper Authentication in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-16857 is a high severity vulnerability in IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, as well as IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1, involving improper authentication. This flaw could allow a remote attacker to manipulate network traffic and DNS configuration without requiring privileges or user interaction.
CVSS v3.1
Score 8.2high
Affected software
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 (CWE-287) affects IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It stems from improper authentication mechanisms that could be exploited remotely to manipulate network traffic and DNS settings. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.2, indicating a high severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, and no user interaction needed. The impact is primarily on integrity, with limited availability impact. No official patch or remediation level has been published yet, and no known exploits are reported in the wild.
Potential Impact
An attacker can remotely manipulate network traffic and DNS configuration, potentially redirecting or intercepting communications. This could compromise the integrity of network operations and lead to further attacks or data interception. There is no indication of confidentiality impact, but integrity is highly affected, and availability impact is low.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, monitor IBM advisories for updates. No specific mitigations are provided in the current data.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T03:38:04.871Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a860993acd9273b498b4c59
Added to database: 08/19/2026, 19:52:51 UTC
Last enriched: 08/19/2026, 20:08:27 UTC
Last updated: 08/19/2026, 20:52:17 UTC
Views: 2
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