CVE-2026-16934: CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-16934 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, as well as IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It involves a heap-based buffer overflow that could allow a local attacker to gain elevated privileges. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 8.8, indicating a significant risk to confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No vendor patch or remediation information is currently provided.
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 (CVE-2026-16934) is a heap-based buffer overflow (CWE-787) present in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It allows a local attacker with limited privileges to execute code with elevated privileges by exploiting an out-of-bounds write condition on the heap. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability requires local access and low attack complexity, with no user interaction needed. No known exploits in the wild have been reported, and no official patch or mitigation guidance is currently available from IBM.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise by a local attacker, including unauthorized disclosure, modification, or destruction of data, and disruption of system availability. The elevated privileges gained could allow the attacker to bypass security controls and execute arbitrary code with kernel or administrative rights.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the IBM vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, restrict local access to trusted users only and monitor for suspicious local activity. No official mitigation or temporary fix information is currently provided.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T07:34:06.750Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a87778cacd9273b492c5efc
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 21:54:20 UTC
Last enriched: 09/10/2026, 21:01:51 UTC
Last updated: 10/05/2026, 06:48:14 UTC
Views: 24
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