CVE-2026-16972: CWE-287 Improper Authentication in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-16972 is an improper authentication vulnerability affecting IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, as well as IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. This flaw could allow a remote attacker to obtain sensitive information without proper authentication. The vulnerability has a medium severity rating with a CVSS score of 6.5.
CVSS v3.1
Score 6.5medium
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 involves improper authentication in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. Due to this flaw, a remote attacker can bypass authentication mechanisms and gain access to sensitive information. The CVSS v3.1 vector indicates the attack can be performed remotely with low attack complexity, no privileges, and no user interaction required. The impact is limited to confidentiality loss and some availability impact, with no integrity impact reported.
Potential Impact
An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could obtain sensitive information remotely without authentication. The impact is limited to confidentiality and availability, with no integrity compromise. 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. No official fix or patch links are provided in the available data. Users should monitor IBM's advisories for updates and apply any official patches once available.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T08:24:56.549Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a877782acd9273b492c5d37
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 21:54:10 UTC
Last enriched: 09/11/2026, 04:03:42 UTC
Last updated: 10/05/2026, 06:48:14 UTC
Views: 28
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