CVE-2026-16925: CWE-285 Improper Authorization in IBM AIX
IBM AIX 7.2, and 7.3 and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 could allow a local attacker to achieve privilege escalation due to improper authorization.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability (CVE-2026-16925) in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 is classified under CWE-285 (Improper Authorization). It allows a local attacker with limited privileges to escalate their privileges due to improper authorization checks within the affected systems. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.1, reflecting a high severity with impact on integrity and availability but no confidentiality impact. There is no vendor advisory or patch information available at this time.
Potential Impact
An attacker with local access to the affected IBM AIX or PowerVM VIOS systems could exploit this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized modification or disruption of system operations. Confidentiality is not impacted according to the CVSS vector, but integrity and availability impacts are high.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released, restrict local access to trusted users only and monitor for suspicious privilege escalation attempts. Follow IBM's security advisories for updates.
CVE-2026-16925: CWE-285 Improper Authorization in IBM AIX
Description
IBM AIX 7.2, and 7.3 and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 could allow a local attacker to achieve privilege escalation due to improper authorization.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.1high
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 (CVE-2026-16925) in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 is classified under CWE-285 (Improper Authorization). It allows a local attacker with limited privileges to escalate their privileges due to improper authorization checks within the affected systems. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.1, reflecting a high severity with impact on integrity and availability but no confidentiality impact. There is no vendor advisory or patch information available at this time.
Potential Impact
An attacker with local access to the affected IBM AIX or PowerVM VIOS systems could exploit this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized modification or disruption of system operations. Confidentiality is not impacted according to the CVSS vector, but integrity and availability impacts are high.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released, restrict local access to trusted users only and monitor for suspicious privilege escalation attempts. Follow IBM's security advisories for updates.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T07:12:14.489Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a871857acd9273b49c60cf9
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 15:08:07 UTC
Last enriched: 08/20/2026, 15:22:53 UTC
Last updated: 08/20/2026, 23:53:07 UTC
Views: 11
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