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 any privileges or user interaction. The vulnerability has a high CVSS score of 9.8, indicating severe impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
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
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 attackers to execute arbitrary code due to improper handling of buffer boundaries on the stack. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 9.8, reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, no user interaction, and full impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation could lead to remote code execution with full system compromise on affected IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS versions. This includes complete loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems.
Mitigation Recommendations
No patch or remediation information is currently provided. Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the IBM vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a fix is available, restrict network access to affected systems and monitor for suspicious activity related to this vulnerability.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T04:57:21.883Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a867d9bacd9273b49130e43
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 04:07:55 UTC
Last enriched: 09/11/2026, 02:47:07 UTC
Last updated: 10/04/2026, 10:02:25 UTC
Views: 157
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