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 public exploits are known, and no vendor patch information is provided in the available data.
CVSS v3.1
Score 6.7medium
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 (CVE-2026-16944) involves an out-of-bounds write (CWE-787) in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It allows a local attacker with high privileges to potentially execute arbitrary code due to a stack-based buffer overflow condition. The CVSS 3.1 vector indicates local attack vector, low attack complexity, high privileges required, no user interaction, unchanged scope, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution by a local attacker with high privileges, compromising system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. However, exploitation requires local access and elevated privileges. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, restrict local access to trusted users with high privileges to reduce risk.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T07:57:20.714Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a87778eacd9273b492c5fa3
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 21:54:22 UTC
Last enriched: 09/11/2026, 03:48:31 UTC
Last updated: 10/05/2026, 06:48:14 UTC
Views: 52
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