CVE-2026-16885: CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow in IBM AIX
CVE-2026-16885 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 requiring user interaction or privileges. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 9.8, indicating a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No official patch or remediation information is currently available.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 contain a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-121) that could be exploited remotely to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable without authentication or user interaction, leading to full system compromise. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 9.8, reflecting critical severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, and no privileges required. As of the published date, no official remediation or patch has been documented.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on affected systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise, including full control over confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released by IBM, organizations should monitor IBM security advisories closely and consider applying temporary mitigations if recommended by IBM.
CVE-2026-16885: CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-16885 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 requiring user interaction or privileges. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 9.8, indicating a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No official patch or remediation information is currently available.
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
IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 contain a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-121) that could be exploited remotely to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable without authentication or user interaction, leading to full system compromise. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 9.8, reflecting critical severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, and no privileges required. As of the published date, no official remediation or patch has been documented.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on affected systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise, including full control over confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released by IBM, organizations should monitor IBM security advisories closely and consider applying temporary mitigations if recommended by IBM.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T04:57:21.883Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a867d9bacd9273b49130e43
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 04:07:55 UTC
Last enriched: 08/20/2026, 04:22:03 UTC
Last updated: 08/20/2026, 04:55:29 UTC
Views: 4
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