CVE-2026-16946: CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-16946 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It involves a heap buffer overflow that could allow a local attacker to gain elevated privileges on the affected systems.
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, identified as CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), exists in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It allows a local attacker with limited privileges to exploit a heap buffer overflow condition to escalate their privileges. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating high severity, with attack vector local, low attack complexity, and no user interaction required. The impact includes high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow a local attacker to gain elevated privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise. The attacker could execute arbitrary code with higher privileges, affecting confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. No official patch or workaround information is provided in the available data. Users should monitor IBM's security advisories for updates and apply patches once available.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T08:01:55.186Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a87778eacd9273b492c5fa7
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 21:54:22 UTC
Last enriched: 09/10/2026, 20:46:58 UTC
Last updated: 10/05/2026, 06:48:14 UTC
Views: 52
Community Reviews
0 reviewsCrowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.
Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.
Actions
Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.
External Links
Need more coverage?
Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.
For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.
Latest Threats
Check if your credentials are on the dark web
Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.