CVE-2026-16944: CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write in IBM AIX
CVE-2026-16944 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, as well as IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. This flaw could allow a local attacker with high privileges to execute arbitrary code on the affected systems. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 6.7, indicating a medium severity level. No official patch or remediation information is currently available from the vendor. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, along with IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1, contain a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-787) that could be exploited by a local attacker with high privileges to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability is identified as CVE-2026-16944 and has a CVSS 3.1 score of 6.7 (AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H). The vulnerability is published but lacks an official remediation level or patch information from IBM at this time.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could result in arbitrary code execution with high privileges, leading to full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system. The attack requires local access and high privileges, limiting the attack surface. There are no reports of active exploitation in the wild.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released, restrict local access to trusted users only and monitor for unusual activity. Follow IBM's official channels for updates on patches or mitigations.
CVE-2026-16944: CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-16944 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, as well as IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. This flaw could allow a local attacker with high privileges to execute arbitrary code on the affected systems. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 6.7, indicating a medium severity level. No official patch or remediation information is currently available from the vendor. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time.
CVSS v3.1
Score 6.7medium
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
IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, along with IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1, contain a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-787) that could be exploited by a local attacker with high privileges to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability is identified as CVE-2026-16944 and has a CVSS 3.1 score of 6.7 (AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H). The vulnerability is published but lacks an official remediation level or patch information from IBM at this time.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could result in arbitrary code execution with high privileges, leading to full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system. The attack requires local access and high privileges, limiting the attack surface. There are no reports of active exploitation in the wild.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released, restrict local access to trusted users only and monitor for unusual activity. Follow IBM's official channels for updates on patches or mitigations.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T07:57:20.714Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a87778eacd9273b492c5fa3
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 21:54:22 UTC
Last enriched: 08/20/2026, 22:08:23 UTC
Last updated: 08/20/2026, 23:12:02 UTC
Views: 2
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