CVE-2026-17040: CWE-120 Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input ('Classic Buffer Overflow') in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-17040 is a critical buffer overflow vulnerability in IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, as well as IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. This flaw allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code without any privileges or user interaction. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of input sizes during buffer copying, classified as CWE-120. It has a high CVSS score of 9.8, indicating severe impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
CVSS v3.1
Score 9.8critical
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 is a classic buffer overflow (CWE-120) affecting IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. Due to insufficient input size checking during buffer copy operations, a remote attacker can exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary code on the affected systems. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 9.8, reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, no user interaction, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows remote code execution with full impact on system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This can lead to complete system compromise without requiring authentication or user interaction.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. No official patch or workaround information is provided in the available data. Until a fix is available, restrict network access to affected systems and monitor for suspicious activity related to this vulnerability.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T12:45:45.725Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a877785acd9273b492c5e01
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 21:54:13 UTC
Last enriched: 09/10/2026, 21:02:17 UTC
Last updated: 10/05/2026, 06:48:14 UTC
Views: 47
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