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 vulnerability in IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It involves improper neutralization of special elements in OS commands, leading to OS command injection. This flaw could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code without privileges or user interaction.
CVSS v3.1
Score 8.8high
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-2026-16865) affects IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It is classified as CWE-78, indicating improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, commonly known as OS command injection. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No vendor advisory or patch information is provided in the input data.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to remote code execution with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems. Attackers could run arbitrary commands remotely without requiring privileges or user interaction, potentially compromising the entire system.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, monitor IBM's security advisories for updates and consider applying any recommended temporary mitigations if provided by IBM.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T04:08:28.170Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a860993acd9273b498b4c5f
Added to database: 08/19/2026, 19:52:51 UTC
Last enriched: 09/11/2026, 05:47:05 UTC
Last updated: 10/04/2026, 10:02:25 UTC
Views: 66
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.