CVE-2026-16873: CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-16873 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, as well as IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It involves an out-of-bounds write that could allow a local attacker to escalate privileges on the affected systems.
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, identified as CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), exists in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. A local attacker with limited privileges could exploit this flaw to perform an out-of-bounds write, potentially leading to local privilege escalation. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating a high severity with impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No information about patches or vendor advisories is provided in the input data.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation could allow a local attacker to gain elevated privileges on the affected systems, compromising system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information and control over the system.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, restrict local access to trusted users only to reduce the risk of exploitation.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T04:30:49.601Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a86e0f8acd9273b4983858e
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 11:11:52 UTC
Last enriched: 09/11/2026, 02:17:02 UTC
Last updated: 10/05/2026, 06:48:14 UTC
Views: 49
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