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CVE-2026-16934: CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write in IBM AIX

0
High
VulnerabilityCVE-2026-16934cvecve-2026-16934cwe-787
Published: 08/20/2026 (08/20/2026, 21:31:47 UTC)
Source: CVE Database V5
Vendor/Project: IBM
Product: 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

Attack Vector
Local
Attack Complexity
Low
Privileges Required
Low
User Interaction
None
Scope
Changed
Confidentiality
High
Integrity
High
Availability
High
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

Affected software

IBM

AIX

Affected versions
=7.2=7.3

IBM

PowerVM VIOS

Affected versions
=4.1
ibm/aix
pkg:rpm/ibm/aix
Affected versions
=7.2=7.3
CPE configurations (6)
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:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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AI-Powered Analysis

Machine-generated threat intelligence

AILast updated: 09/10/2026, 21:01:51 UTC

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.

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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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