CVE-2026-16989: CWE-59 Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-16989 is a vulnerability in IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1, involving improper resolution of symbolic links. This flaw could allow a local attacker to gain elevated privileges by exploiting how symbolic links are handled before file access. The vulnerability has a high severity rating with a CVSS score of 7.1, indicating significant confidentiality and integrity impact without availability impact.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.1high
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-2026-16989) affects IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It is classified as CWE-59 (Improper Link Resolution Before File Access, also known as 'Link Following'). The flaw allows a local attacker with some privileges to escalate their privileges due to improper handling of symbolic links, potentially leading to unauthorized access or modification of sensitive data. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.1, with attack vector local, low attack complexity, low privileges required, no user interaction, unchanged scope, and high confidentiality and integrity impacts.
Potential Impact
A local attacker with limited privileges could exploit this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges on affected IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS systems. This could lead to unauthorized disclosure and modification of sensitive information. There is no indication of availability impact. No known exploits are reported in the wild at this time.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the IBM vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. No official patch or workaround information is provided in the available data. Until a fix is available, restrict local access to trusted users only and monitor for suspicious activity related to symbolic link usage.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T08:48:38.043Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a877782acd9273b492c5d3d
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 21:54:10 UTC
Last enriched: 09/10/2026, 21:17:17 UTC
Last updated: 10/05/2026, 06:48:14 UTC
Views: 36
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