CVE-2026-16996: CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write in IBM AIX
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 that can lead to an out-of-bounds write, potentially allowing a local attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 8.8, indicating a significant risk. No official patch or remediation information is currently provided by the vendor. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability, identified as CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), affects IBM AIX 7.2 and 7.3 and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It arises from an integer underflow condition that can be exploited by a local attacker to perform arbitrary code execution. The CVSS 3.1 vector indicates low attack complexity, low privileges required, no user interaction, and a scope change, with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability is published and assigned CVE-2026-16996, but no vendor advisory or patch information is currently available.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation could allow a local attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially compromising system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability affects critical system components in IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS environments, posing a high risk to affected systems.
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 unusual activity related to this vulnerability.
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 that can lead to an out-of-bounds write, potentially allowing a local attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 8.8, indicating a significant risk. No official patch or remediation information is currently provided by the vendor. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time.
CVSS v3.1
Score 8.8high
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, identified as CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), affects IBM AIX 7.2 and 7.3 and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It arises from an integer underflow condition that can be exploited by a local attacker to perform arbitrary code execution. The CVSS 3.1 vector indicates low attack complexity, low privileges required, no user interaction, and a scope change, with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability is published and assigned CVE-2026-16996, but no vendor advisory or patch information is currently available.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation could allow a local attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially compromising system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability affects critical system components in IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS environments, posing a high risk to affected systems.
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 unusual 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
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a877782acd9273b492c5d41
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 21:54:10 UTC
Last enriched: 08/20/2026, 22:54:11 UTC
Last updated: 08/21/2026, 00:12:04 UTC
Views: 2
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