CVE-2026-16903: CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write in IBM AIX
CVE-2026-16903 is a critical vulnerability in IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It involves an out-of-bounds write that could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service. The vulnerability has a high CVSS score of 9.6, indicating severe impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No official patch or remediation information is currently available from the vendor.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability, identified as CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), affects IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It allows a remote attacker to perform an out-of-bounds write, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or denial of service. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 9.6 with vector AV:A/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H, indicating the attack can be performed remotely with low complexity, no privileges, and no user interaction, and it impacts system confidentiality, integrity, and availability with a scope change. There is no vendor advisory or patch information provided at this time.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service on affected IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS systems. The impact affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the systems.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. No official fix or temporary mitigation has been published by IBM at this time.
CVE-2026-16903: CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-16903 is a critical vulnerability in IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It involves an out-of-bounds write that could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service. The vulnerability has a high CVSS score of 9.6, indicating severe impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No official patch or remediation information is currently available from the vendor.
CVSS v3.1
Score 9.6critical
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), affects IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It allows a remote attacker to perform an out-of-bounds write, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or denial of service. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 9.6 with vector AV:A/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H, indicating the attack can be performed remotely with low complexity, no privileges, and no user interaction, and it impacts system confidentiality, integrity, and availability with a scope change. There is no vendor advisory or patch information provided at this time.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service on affected IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS systems. The impact affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the systems.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. No official fix or temporary mitigation has been published by IBM at this time.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T05:59:44.077Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a860d18acd9273b498f9c2e
Added to database: 08/19/2026, 20:07:52 UTC
Last enriched: 08/19/2026, 20:22:34 UTC
Last updated: 08/20/2026, 02:32:15 UTC
Views: 5
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