CVE-2026-17118: CWE-416 Use After Free in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-17118 is a critical use-after-free vulnerability affecting IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, as well as IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. This flaw could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code without requiring user interaction or privileges. The vulnerability 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 (CVE-2026-17118) is a use-after-free condition in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code due to improper handling of memory that has been freed but is still accessed. 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 of this vulnerability could lead to remote code execution with full system impact, compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems. This poses a critical risk to affected IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS environments.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the IBM vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. No official fix or patch links are provided in the available data. Until a patch is available, monitor IBM advisories closely for updates.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T16:14:24.518Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a877785acd9273b492c5e05
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 21:54:13 UTC
Last enriched: 09/10/2026, 21:02:08 UTC
Last updated: 10/05/2026, 06:48:14 UTC
Views: 41
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.