CVE-2026-16864: CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write in IBM AIX
CVE-2026-16864 is a critical vulnerability in IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, as well as IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1, involving a stack buffer overflow that could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code without authentication or user interaction.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability, identified as CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), affects IBM AIX 7.2 and 7.3 and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It allows remote code execution due to a stack buffer overflow flaw. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 9.8, indicating critical severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, no user interaction, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No official patch or remediation level has been published yet, and there are no known exploits in the wild at this time.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on affected systems, potentially leading to full system compromise with complete control over confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released, monitor IBM's security advisories for updates and consider applying any recommended workarounds or mitigations provided by IBM.
CVE-2026-16864: CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-16864 is a critical vulnerability in IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, as well as IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1, involving a stack buffer overflow that could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code without authentication or user interaction.
CVSS v3.1
Score 9.8critical
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, identified as CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), affects IBM AIX 7.2 and 7.3 and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It allows remote code execution due to a stack buffer overflow flaw. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 9.8, indicating critical severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, no user interaction, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No official patch or remediation level has been published yet, and there are no known exploits in the wild at this time.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on affected systems, potentially leading to full system compromise with complete control over confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released, monitor IBM's security advisories for updates and consider applying any recommended workarounds or mitigations provided by IBM.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T04:06:13.802Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a860993acd9273b498b4c5d
Added to database: 08/19/2026, 19:52:51 UTC
Last enriched: 08/19/2026, 20:08:15 UTC
Last updated: 08/19/2026, 20:32:24 UTC
Views: 3
Community Reviews
0 reviewsCrowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.
Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.
Actions
Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.
External Links
Need more coverage?
Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.
For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.
Latest Threats
Check if your credentials are on the dark web
Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.