CVE-2026-16872: CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow in IBM AIX
CVE-2026-16872 is a critical stack-based buffer overflow 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 without any privileges or user interaction. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 9.8, indicating a high severity with potential full confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact. No official patch or remediation information is currently provided by the vendor.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability is a stack-based buffer overflow (CWE-121) in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It allows remote code execution without requiring privileges or user interaction, making it highly critical. The CVSS 3.1 vector indicates network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, no user interaction, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability is publicly known and published but lacks an official remediation level or patch information at this time.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution by a remote attacker, potentially resulting in full system compromise including loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems running IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, or IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released, organizations should monitor IBM security advisories closely and consider applying any recommended workarounds or mitigations provided by IBM. No official remediation or temporary fix information is currently available.
CVE-2026-16872: CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-16872 is a critical stack-based buffer overflow 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 without any privileges or user interaction. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 9.8, indicating a high severity with potential full confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact. No official patch or remediation information is currently provided by the vendor.
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 is a stack-based buffer overflow (CWE-121) in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It allows remote code execution without requiring privileges or user interaction, making it highly critical. The CVSS 3.1 vector indicates network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, no user interaction, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability is publicly known and published but lacks an official remediation level or patch information at this time.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution by a remote attacker, potentially resulting in full system compromise including loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems running IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, or IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released, organizations should monitor IBM security advisories closely and consider applying any recommended workarounds or mitigations provided by IBM. No official remediation or temporary fix information is currently available.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T04:28:54.271Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a860993acd9273b498b4c65
Added to database: 08/19/2026, 19:52:51 UTC
Last enriched: 08/19/2026, 20:07:42 UTC
Last updated: 08/19/2026, 22:43:36 UTC
Views: 6
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