CVE-2026-16945: CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow in IBM AIX
A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists 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 limited privileges to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The vulnerability is identified as CVE-2026-16945 and is classified under CWE-121. It has a high severity rating with a CVSS score of 7.8. No official patch or remediation information is currently provided.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2026-16945 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability affecting IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. This vulnerability allows a local attacker with low privileges to execute arbitrary code due to improper handling of memory on the stack. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-121 (Stack-based Buffer Overflow) and has a CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8, indicating high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No vendor advisory or patch information is currently available to confirm remediation status.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow a local attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected process, potentially leading to full system compromise. The CVSS vector indicates high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. However, there are no known exploits in the wild at this time.
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.
CVE-2026-16945: CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow in IBM AIX
Description
A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists 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 limited privileges to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The vulnerability is identified as CVE-2026-16945 and is classified under CWE-121. It has a high severity rating with a CVSS score of 7.8. No official patch or remediation information is currently provided.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.8high
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
CVE-2026-16945 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability affecting IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. This vulnerability allows a local attacker with low privileges to execute arbitrary code due to improper handling of memory on the stack. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-121 (Stack-based Buffer Overflow) and has a CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8, indicating high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No vendor advisory or patch information is currently available to confirm remediation status.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow a local attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected process, potentially leading to full system compromise. The CVSS vector indicates high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. However, there are no known exploits in the wild at this time.
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
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a87778eacd9273b492c5fa5
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 21:54:22 UTC
Last enriched: 08/20/2026, 22:07:30 UTC
Last updated: 08/21/2026, 01:01:47 UTC
Views: 5
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