CVE-2026-16894: CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-16894 is a critical vulnerability in IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It involves a stack buffer overflow that could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code without any privileges or user interaction.
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-787) affecting IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. The flaw allows remote code execution due to improper bounds checking on the stack, enabling an attacker to overwrite memory and execute arbitrary code remotely. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 9.8, indicating critical severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, and no user interaction needed.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise, including complete confidentiality, integrity, and availability loss. An attacker can remotely execute arbitrary code, potentially gaining control over affected systems.
Mitigation Recommendations
No patch or official remediation details are provided in the available data. 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 unusual activity related to this vulnerability.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T05:24:47.805Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a860d18acd9273b498f9c28
Added to database: 08/19/2026, 20:07:52 UTC
Last enriched: 09/11/2026, 05:32:07 UTC
Last updated: 10/04/2026, 10:02:25 UTC
Views: 38
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