CVE-2026-16882: CWE-78 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection') in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-16882 is a critical OS command injection vulnerability affecting IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, as well as IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. This flaw allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary commands due to improper neutralization of special elements in OS commands. The vulnerability has a high CVSS score of 9.8, indicating severe impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No vendor patch or remediation information is provided in the available data.
CVSS v3.1
Score 9.8critical
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
IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 contain an OS command injection vulnerability (CWE-78) where improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary commands. This vulnerability is remotely exploitable without privileges or user interaction, resulting in full system compromise. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 9.8, reflecting critical severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, and no user interaction needed.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation could lead to complete compromise of affected systems, including unauthorized disclosure, modification, or destruction of data, and disruption of system availability. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary OS commands, posing a critical risk to affected IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS environments.
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 execution attempts.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T04:50:39.702Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a86e0f8acd9273b49838596
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 11:11:52 UTC
Last enriched: 09/11/2026, 02:02:34 UTC
Last updated: 10/05/2026, 06:48:14 UTC
Views: 48
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