CVE-2026-16909: CWE-128 Wrap-around Error in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-16909 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, as well as IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It involves an off-by-one error in bounds checking, classified as a CWE-128 wrap-around error, which could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code without requiring user interaction or privileges.
CVSS v3.1
Score 8.8high
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 arises from an off-by-one error in bounds checking in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. The flaw allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code due to improper handling of buffer boundaries, leading to a wrap-around condition. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.8, indicating high severity, with attack vector being adjacent network (AV:A), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), and impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability all rated high.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could result in remote code execution, allowing an attacker to fully compromise the affected system's confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability does not require user interaction or privileges, increasing its risk in environments where the attacker has adjacent network access.
Mitigation Recommendations
No patch or official remediation information is 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 suspicious activity related to this vulnerability.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T06:24:50.801Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a860d18acd9273b498f9c30
Added to database: 08/19/2026, 20:07:52 UTC
Last enriched: 09/11/2026, 05:31:53 UTC
Last updated: 10/04/2026, 10:02:25 UTC
Views: 55
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