CVE-2026-16936: CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-16936 is a high-severity vulnerability in IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It involves an out-of-bounds write (buffer overflow) that could allow a local attacker to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability requires local privileges and no user interaction. It impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability with a scope change.
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, identified as CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), affects IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. A local attacker with low privileges can exploit a buffer overflow to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to full system compromise. The CVSS v3.1 score is 8.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability with a scope change. No public exploits are known at this time.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially compromising system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability affects core IBM operating system components and virtualization infrastructure.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the IBM vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Since no patch links are provided, users should monitor IBM's official security advisories for updates. Until a fix is available, restrict local access to trusted users only.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T07:38:49.349Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a87778eacd9273b492c5f9d
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 21:54:22 UTC
Last enriched: 09/10/2026, 20:47:15 UTC
Last updated: 10/05/2026, 06:48:14 UTC
Views: 26
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