CVE-2026-16926: CWE-73 External Control of File Name or Path in IBM AIX
CVE-2026-16926 is a critical vulnerability affecting 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. The vulnerability has a high CVSS score of 9.1, indicating a severe impact on integrity and availability without requiring privileges or user interaction.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability (CVE-2026-16926) in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 is classified under CWE-73 (External Control of File Name or Path). It allows remote attackers to overwrite arbitrary files due to insufficient sanitization of input containing special elements. The flaw enables unauthorized modification of files, potentially disrupting system integrity and availability. The CVSS 3.1 base 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
Successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary file overwrite by a remote attacker, compromising system integrity and availability. Confidentiality impact is not indicated. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction, increasing its risk. No known exploits in the wild have been reported at this time.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the IBM vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. No official fix or temporary workaround is currently documented. Until a patch is available, restrict network access to affected systems and monitor for suspicious activity related to file modifications.
CVE-2026-16926: CWE-73 External Control of File Name or Path in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-16926 is a critical vulnerability affecting 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. The 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
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-2026-16926) in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 is classified under CWE-73 (External Control of File Name or Path). It allows remote attackers to overwrite arbitrary files due to insufficient sanitization of input containing special elements. The flaw enables unauthorized modification of files, potentially disrupting system integrity and availability. The CVSS 3.1 base 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
Successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary file overwrite by a remote attacker, compromising system integrity and availability. Confidentiality impact is not indicated. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction, increasing its risk. No known exploits in the wild have been reported at this time.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the IBM vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. No official fix or temporary workaround is currently documented. Until a patch 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
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a871857acd9273b49c60cfb
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 15:08:07 UTC
Last enriched: 08/20/2026, 15:22:46 UTC
Last updated: 08/20/2026, 15:30:02 UTC
Views: 4
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