CVE-2026-16951: CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-16951 is a heap-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 authenticated 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 official patch or remediation details are 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
IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 contain a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-787) that could be exploited by a local authenticated attacker with high privileges to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability is identified as CVE-2026-16951 and has a CVSS 3.1 score of 6.7 with vector AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. No vendor advisory or patch information is currently available.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow a local authenticated attacker with high privileges to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to full system compromise including confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts. However, exploitation requires local access and high privilege, limiting the attack surface.
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 unusual activity. No vendor advisory or patch links are currently provided.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T08:04:43.908Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a877782acd9273b492c5d2f
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 21:54:10 UTC
Last enriched: 09/11/2026, 04:04:02 UTC
Last updated: 10/05/2026, 06:48:14 UTC
Views: 28
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