CVE-2026-16980: CWE-59 Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') in IBM AIX
CVE-2026-16980 is a medium severity vulnerability in IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, as well as IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It involves improper validation of symbolic links, which could allow a local attacker to cause a denial of service. The vulnerability is related to CWE-59, improper link resolution before file access. No official patch or remediation information is currently available.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability (CVE-2026-16980) affects IBM AIX 7.2 and 7.3 and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It arises from improper validation of symbolic links before file access, classified under CWE-59. A local attacker with low privileges could exploit this flaw to cause a denial of service condition. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.3, indicating medium severity, with attack vector local, high attack complexity, low privileges required, no user interaction, unchanged scope, no confidentiality impact, high integrity impact, and high availability impact. No vendor advisory or patch information is currently provided.
Potential Impact
A local attacker could exploit improper symbolic link validation to cause denial of service, impacting system integrity and availability. There is no confidentiality impact. The attack requires local access and has high complexity, limiting ease of exploitation.
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 and monitor for suspicious activity related to symbolic link usage.
CVE-2026-16980: CWE-59 Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-16980 is a medium severity vulnerability in IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, as well as IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It involves improper validation of symbolic links, which could allow a local attacker to cause a denial of service. The vulnerability is related to CWE-59, improper link resolution before file access. No official patch or remediation information is currently available.
CVSS v3.1
Score 6.3medium
Affected software
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 7.2 and 7.3 and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It arises from improper validation of symbolic links before file access, classified under CWE-59. A local attacker with low privileges could exploit this flaw to cause a denial of service condition. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.3, indicating medium severity, with attack vector local, high attack complexity, low privileges required, no user interaction, unchanged scope, no confidentiality impact, high integrity impact, and high availability impact. No vendor advisory or patch information is currently provided.
Potential Impact
A local attacker could exploit improper symbolic link validation to cause denial of service, impacting system integrity and availability. There is no confidentiality impact. The attack requires local access and has high complexity, limiting ease of exploitation.
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 and monitor for suspicious 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
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a877782acd9273b492c5d3b
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 21:54:10 UTC
Last enriched: 08/20/2026, 22:54:27 UTC
Last updated: 08/21/2026, 00:12:09 UTC
Views: 2
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