CVE-2026-16996: CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-16996 is a high-severity vulnerability in IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It involves an integer underflow leading to an out-of-bounds write, which could allow a local attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 score of 8.8, indicating a significant risk if exploited. No public exploits are currently known, and no patch information is provided in the available data.
CVSS v3.1
Score 8.8high
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-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), affects IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It arises from an integer underflow condition that enables a local attacker to perform arbitrary code execution. The CVSS 3.1 vector indicates the attack requires local access with low complexity and no user interaction, but it results in complete confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact. The vulnerability is confirmed published by IBM but lacks explicit patch or remediation details in the provided data.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows a local attacker to execute arbitrary code with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems. This could lead to full system compromise on IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and PowerVM VIOS 4.1 environments.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the IBM 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 this vulnerability.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T09:08:01.130Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a877782acd9273b492c5d41
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 21:54:10 UTC
Last enriched: 09/10/2026, 21:17:06 UTC
Last updated: 10/05/2026, 06:48:14 UTC
Views: 30
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