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. It involves a stack buffer overflow that could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code without requiring privileges or user interaction. The vulnerability has a high CVSS score of 9.8, indicating severe impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
CVSS v3.1
Score 9.8critical
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 is an out-of-bounds write (CWE-787) in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It allows remote attackers to exploit a stack buffer overflow to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The CVSS 3.1 vector indicates the attack can be performed remotely over the network with low attack complexity, no privileges, and no user interaction required. The impact includes full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation could lead to remote code execution, allowing attackers to fully compromise affected IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS systems. This includes the ability to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to system takeover, data loss, or service disruption.
Mitigation Recommendations
No patch or official remediation information is currently provided. Patch status is not yet confirmed — check IBM's vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a fix is available, restrict network access to affected systems and monitor for suspicious activity related to this vulnerability.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T04:06:13.802Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a860993acd9273b498b4c5d
Added to database: 08/19/2026, 19:52:51 UTC
Last enriched: 09/11/2026, 05:47:12 UTC
Last updated: 10/04/2026, 10:02:25 UTC
Views: 24
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