CVE-2026-16869: CWE-426 Untrusted Search Path in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-16869 is a high severity vulnerability in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It involves an untrusted search path issue where improperly scrubbed environment variables could allow a local attacker to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 score of 7.8, indicating significant confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact. No vendor patch or remediation information is currently provided.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.8high
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-2026-16869) affects IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, as well as IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It is classified under CWE-426 (Untrusted Search Path). The flaw arises because environment variables are not properly sanitized, enabling a local attacker with limited privileges to execute arbitrary code. The CVSS 3.1 vector indicates local attack vector with low complexity, requiring low privileges and no user interaction, and impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability at a high level.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation could allow a local attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected system, potentially leading to full system compromise. The impact affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system as indicated by the CVSS score and vector.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. No official fix or patch links are provided at this time. Until a patch is available, restrict local access to trusted users only and monitor for suspicious activity related to environment variable manipulation.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T04:19:21.734Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a860993acd9273b498b4c63
Added to database: 08/19/2026, 19:52:51 UTC
Last enriched: 09/11/2026, 05:47:01 UTC
Last updated: 10/04/2026, 10:02:25 UTC
Views: 44
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