CVE-2026-16943: CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write in IBM AIX
CVE-2026-16943 is a high-severity vulnerability in IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, as well as IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1, involving a heap-based buffer overflow that could allow a local attacker with high privileges to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write). No official patch or remediation details have been provided yet.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability (CVE-2026-16943) affects IBM AIX 7.2 and 7.3 and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1, where a heap-based buffer overflow condition allows a local attacker with high privileges to execute arbitrary code. The CVSS v3.1 score is 8.2, indicating high severity, with attack vector local, low attack complexity, high privileges required, no user interaction, and impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability is categorized as CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write). As of the published date, no official patch or remediation level has been disclosed by IBM.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution by a local attacker with high privileges, potentially compromising system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This could allow the attacker to execute malicious code within the affected system environment.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Since no official fix or remediation level has been published, users should monitor IBM's advisories closely and apply any updates or patches as soon as they become available. Until then, limit local access to trusted users only.
CVE-2026-16943: CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-16943 is a high-severity vulnerability in IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, as well as IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1, involving a heap-based buffer overflow that could allow a local attacker with high privileges to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write). No official patch or remediation details have been provided yet.
CVSS v3.1
Score 8.2high
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-2026-16943) affects IBM AIX 7.2 and 7.3 and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1, where a heap-based buffer overflow condition allows a local attacker with high privileges to execute arbitrary code. The CVSS v3.1 score is 8.2, indicating high severity, with attack vector local, low attack complexity, high privileges required, no user interaction, and impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability is categorized as CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write). As of the published date, no official patch or remediation level has been disclosed by IBM.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution by a local attacker with high privileges, potentially compromising system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This could allow the attacker to execute malicious code within the affected system environment.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Since no official fix or remediation level has been published, users should monitor IBM's advisories closely and apply any updates or patches as soon as they become available. Until then, limit local access to trusted users only.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T07:54:43.632Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a87778eacd9273b492c5fa1
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 21:54:22 UTC
Last enriched: 08/20/2026, 22:07:37 UTC
Last updated: 08/21/2026, 01:01:47 UTC
Views: 5
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