CVE-2026-16991: CWE-269 Improper Privilege Management in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-16991 is a high-severity vulnerability in IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It involves improper privilege management due to incorrect handling of symbolic links, allowing a local attacker to gain elevated privileges. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 score of 7.8, indicating significant impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No patch or official fix information is provided in the available data.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.8high
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, identified as CWE-269 (Improper Privilege Management), affects IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It arises from improper handling of symbolic links, which could be exploited by a local attacker to escalate privileges. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting a high impact with local attack vector, low attack complexity, and no user interaction required. The vulnerability compromises confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows a local attacker to gain elevated privileges on affected IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS systems. This can lead to full system compromise, including unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of system files, and disruption of services.
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 only and monitor for suspicious activity related to symbolic link usage.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T08:50:35.568Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a877782acd9273b492c5d3f
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 21:54:10 UTC
Last enriched: 09/10/2026, 21:17:11 UTC
Last updated: 10/05/2026, 06:48:14 UTC
Views: 38
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.