CVE-2026-16938: CWE-862 Missing Authorization in IBM Power Systems Firmware
CVE-2026-16938 is a missing authorization vulnerability in IBM Power Systems Firmware affecting multiple firmware versions. An attacker with authenticated administrator-level access to the Flexible Service Processor (FSP) can place the managed system into a non-production mode, disabling certain system components. This state persists across FSP resets and requires manual operator intervention to restore normal operation. The vulnerability impacts system availability but does not affect confidentiality or integrity.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
IBM Power Systems Firmware versions FW1120.00, FW1110.00 through FW1110.30, FW1060.00 through FW1060.80, and FW950.00 through FW950.H2 contain an access control vulnerability (CWE-862) in the FSP. An attacker with authenticated administrator privileges on the FSP can change system configuration to non-production operational mode, disabling components and causing availability degradation. This condition remains after FSP resets until explicitly cleared by an operator.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation leads to an availability impact on the managed system by disabling certain components and placing the system into a non-production mode. The condition persists across resets and requires manual intervention to restore normal operation. There is no impact on confidentiality or integrity.
Mitigation Recommendations
No patch or official fix information is provided. Since the vulnerability requires authenticated administrator-level access, restricting and monitoring administrative access to the FSP is recommended. Operators should be prepared to manually clear the affected configuration to restore normal operation if exploitation occurs. Patch status is not yet confirmed — check IBM's vendor advisory for current remediation guidance.
CVE-2026-16938: CWE-862 Missing Authorization in IBM Power Systems Firmware
Description
CVE-2026-16938 is a missing authorization vulnerability in IBM Power Systems Firmware affecting multiple firmware versions. An attacker with authenticated administrator-level access to the Flexible Service Processor (FSP) can place the managed system into a non-production mode, disabling certain system components. This state persists across FSP resets and requires manual operator intervention to restore normal operation. The vulnerability impacts system availability but does not affect confidentiality or integrity.
CVSS v3.1
Score 6.9medium
Affected software
IBM
Power Systems Firmware
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
IBM Power Systems Firmware versions FW1120.00, FW1110.00 through FW1110.30, FW1060.00 through FW1060.80, and FW950.00 through FW950.H2 contain an access control vulnerability (CWE-862) in the FSP. An attacker with authenticated administrator privileges on the FSP can change system configuration to non-production operational mode, disabling components and causing availability degradation. This condition remains after FSP resets until explicitly cleared by an operator.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation leads to an availability impact on the managed system by disabling certain components and placing the system into a non-production mode. The condition persists across resets and requires manual intervention to restore normal operation. There is no impact on confidentiality or integrity.
Mitigation Recommendations
No patch or official fix information is provided. Since the vulnerability requires authenticated administrator-level access, restricting and monitoring administrative access to the FSP is recommended. Operators should be prepared to manually clear the affected configuration to restore normal operation if exploitation occurs. Patch status is not yet confirmed — check IBM's vendor advisory for current remediation guidance.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T07:44:31.605Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a85feffacd9273b497e930a
Added to database: 08/19/2026, 19:07:43 UTC
Last enriched: 09/11/2026, 07:49:41 UTC
Last updated: 10/02/2026, 03:54:48 UTC
Views: 65
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