CVE-2026-16980: CWE-59 Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-16980 is a vulnerability in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 involving improper validation of symbolic links. This flaw can allow a local attacker to cause a denial of service by exploiting improper link resolution before file access. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 6.3, indicating a medium severity level. No public exploits are known, and no patch or remediation details are provided in the available data.
CVSS v3.1
Score 6.3medium
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-2026-16980) affects IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, as well as IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It is classified under CWE-59 (Improper Link Resolution Before File Access, also known as 'Link Following'). The issue arises from insufficient validation of symbolic links, which could be leveraged by a local attacker with low privileges to cause a denial of service condition. The CVSS vector indicates the attack requires local access with high attack complexity and low privileges, and it results in no confidentiality impact but high integrity and availability impacts.
Potential Impact
A local attacker with low privileges could exploit this vulnerability to cause a denial of service on affected systems. There is no impact on confidentiality, but integrity and availability are affected. No known exploits are reported in the wild.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. No official fix or patch information is provided in the available data. Until a patch is available, restrict local access to trusted users and monitor for unusual activity related to symbolic link usage.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T08:35:13.986Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a877782acd9273b492c5d3b
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 21:54:10 UTC
Last enriched: 09/11/2026, 04:03:33 UTC
Last updated: 10/05/2026, 06:48:14 UTC
Views: 39
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