CVE-2026-16973: CWE-200 Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-16973 is a vulnerability in IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1, where a local attacker can disclose sensitive kernel memory due to an out-of-bounds read. This exposure of sensitive information could allow unauthorized access to confidential data. The vulnerability has a medium severity rating with a CVSS score of 5.5.
CVSS v3.1
Score 5.5medium
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 (CVE-2026-16973) affects IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It involves an out-of-bounds read in the kernel that allows a local attacker to disclose sensitive kernel memory, leading to exposure of sensitive information (CWE-200). The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.5, reflecting a medium severity with local attack vector, low attack complexity, and requiring low privileges without user interaction. The impact is confidentiality loss only, with no integrity or availability impact.
Potential Impact
An attacker with local access can read sensitive kernel memory, potentially exposing confidential information. There is no impact on system integrity or availability. No known exploits are reported in the wild.
Mitigation Recommendations
No official patch or remediation information is provided in the available data. Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T08:27:12.977Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a877782acd9273b492c5d39
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 21:54:10 UTC
Last enriched: 09/11/2026, 04:03:37 UTC
Last updated: 10/04/2026, 18:53:14 UTC
Views: 36
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.