CVE-2026-16886: CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write in IBM AIX
CVE-2026-16886 is an out-of-bounds write 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 cause a denial of service on the affected systems. The vulnerability has a medium severity rating with a CVSS score of 4.3. No official patch or remediation guidance has been provided yet by the vendor.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability, identified as CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), exists in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It allows a remote attacker to trigger an out-of-bounds write condition that can lead to denial of service. The CVSS 3.1 vector indicates the attack requires adjacent network access (AV:A), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), and impacts availability only (A:L) without affecting confidentiality or integrity.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability can cause denial of service on affected IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS systems. There is no indication of confidentiality or integrity compromise. No known exploits are reported in the wild at this time.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released, monitor IBM advisories for updates. No temporary or official fixes have been documented.
CVE-2026-16886: CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-16886 is an out-of-bounds write 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 cause a denial of service on the affected systems. The vulnerability has a medium severity rating with a CVSS score of 4.3. No official patch or remediation guidance has been provided yet by the vendor.
CVSS v3.1
Score 4.3medium
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, identified as CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), exists in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It allows a remote attacker to trigger an out-of-bounds write condition that can lead to denial of service. The CVSS 3.1 vector indicates the attack requires adjacent network access (AV:A), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), and impacts availability only (A:L) without affecting confidentiality or integrity.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability can cause denial of service on affected IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS systems. There is no indication of confidentiality or integrity compromise. No known exploits are reported in the wild at this time.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released, monitor IBM advisories for updates. No temporary or official fixes have been documented.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T04:59:49.677Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a860d18acd9273b498f9c22
Added to database: 08/19/2026, 20:07:52 UTC
Last enriched: 08/19/2026, 20:23:22 UTC
Last updated: 08/19/2026, 20:23:22 UTC
Views: 2
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