CVE-2026-16945: CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-16945 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability affecting IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, as well as IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. This flaw could allow a local attacker with limited privileges to execute arbitrary code on the affected systems. The vulnerability has a high severity rating with a CVSS score of 7.8, indicating significant impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No public exploits are known at this time, and no official patch or remediation details have been provided.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.8high
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 is a stack-based buffer overflow (CWE-121) in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It allows a local attacker with low privileges to execute arbitrary code due to improper handling of memory on the stack. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability is published and assigned CVE-2026-16945 by IBM. No vendor advisory or patch information is currently available.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution by a local attacker, potentially compromising system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This could allow privilege escalation or unauthorized control over the affected system components.
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 only and monitor for suspicious activity related to this vulnerability.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T07:59:23.929Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a87778eacd9273b492c5fa5
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 21:54:22 UTC
Last enriched: 09/10/2026, 20:47:03 UTC
Last updated: 10/05/2026, 06:48:14 UTC
Views: 46
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