CVE-2026-17136: CWE-134 Use of Externally-Controlled Format String in IBM AIX
CVE-2026-17136 is a critical format string vulnerability affecting IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, as well as IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. This vulnerability could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code without requiring user interaction or privileges. The flaw arises from improper handling of externally-controlled format strings, leading to potential full system compromise.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
IBM AIX 7.2 and 7.3, along with IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1, contain a format string vulnerability (CWE-134) that could be exploited remotely to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability is due to the use of externally-controlled format strings, which can lead to memory corruption and code execution. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 9.8, indicating a critical severity with network attack vector, no privileges required, no user interaction, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No official patch or remediation level has been published yet, and no known exploits are reported in the wild.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on affected IBM AIX systems, potentially leading to full system compromise including confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, monitor IBM's security advisories for updates. No vendor-provided mitigation or temporary fix has been published at this time.
CVE-2026-17136: CWE-134 Use of Externally-Controlled Format String in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-17136 is a critical format string vulnerability affecting IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, as well as IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. This vulnerability could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code without requiring user interaction or privileges. The flaw arises from improper handling of externally-controlled format strings, leading to potential full system compromise.
CVSS v3.1
Score 9.8critical
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
IBM AIX 7.2 and 7.3, along with IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1, contain a format string vulnerability (CWE-134) that could be exploited remotely to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability is due to the use of externally-controlled format strings, which can lead to memory corruption and code execution. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 9.8, indicating a critical severity with network attack vector, no privileges required, no user interaction, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No official patch or remediation level has been published yet, and no known exploits are reported in the wild.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on affected IBM AIX systems, potentially leading to full system compromise including confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, monitor IBM's security advisories for updates. No vendor-provided mitigation or temporary fix has been published at this time.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T17:01:20.432Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a877ac3acd9273b49302598
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 22:08:03 UTC
Last enriched: 08/20/2026, 22:38:34 UTC
Last updated: 08/20/2026, 23:19:45 UTC
Views: 3
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