CVE-2026-16865: CWE-78 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection') in IBM AIX
CVE-2026-16865 is a high severity OS command injection vulnerability affecting IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, as well as IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. This flaw could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected systems without requiring privileges or user interaction.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability, classified as CWE-78 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command), exists in IBM AIX 7.2 and 7.3 and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code due to improper sanitization of input that leads to OS command injection. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.8, indicating high impact with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, no user interaction, and high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts. No official remediation or patch information is provided in the available data.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation could result in complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems, allowing remote code execution without authentication or user interaction.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, restrict network access to affected systems and monitor for suspicious activity related to command injection attempts.
CVE-2026-16865: CWE-78 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection') in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-16865 is a high severity OS command injection vulnerability affecting IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, as well as IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. This flaw could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected systems without requiring privileges or user interaction.
CVSS v3.1
Score 8.8high
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, classified as CWE-78 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command), exists in IBM AIX 7.2 and 7.3 and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code due to improper sanitization of input that leads to OS command injection. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.8, indicating high impact with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, no user interaction, and high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts. No official remediation or patch information is provided in the available data.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation could result in complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems, allowing remote code execution without authentication or user interaction.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, restrict network access to affected systems and monitor for suspicious activity related to command injection attempts.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T04:08:28.170Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a860993acd9273b498b4c5f
Added to database: 08/19/2026, 19:52:51 UTC
Last enriched: 08/19/2026, 20:07:55 UTC
Last updated: 08/19/2026, 23:59:17 UTC
Views: 7
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