CVE-2026-16926: CWE-73 External Control of File Name or Path in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-16926 is a critical vulnerability in IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It involves improper neutralization of special elements in input, which could allow a remote attacker to overwrite arbitrary files. This vulnerability has a high CVSS score of 9.1, indicating a severe impact on integrity and availability without requiring privileges or user interaction.
CVSS v3.1
Score 9.1critical
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 (CWE-73) in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 allows remote attackers to overwrite arbitrary files due to improper neutralization of special elements in input. The flaw enables file path manipulation that can lead to unauthorized file modification. The CVSS v3.1 score is 9.1 (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H), reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges or user interaction required, and high impact on integrity and availability.
Potential Impact
An attacker can remotely overwrite arbitrary files on affected systems, potentially leading to denial of service or unauthorized modification of system files. The confidentiality impact is not affected, but integrity and availability impacts are high. This could disrupt system operations or compromise system stability.
Mitigation Recommendations
No patch or official fix information is currently provided. 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 file modifications.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T07:15:31.515Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a871857acd9273b49c60cfb
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 15:08:07 UTC
Last enriched: 09/10/2026, 23:47:19 UTC
Last updated: 10/04/2026, 18:53:14 UTC
Views: 59
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