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 any privileges or user interaction. The flaw arises from improper handling of externally-controlled format strings.
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-2026-17136) involves a use of externally-controlled format strings (CWE-134) in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. An attacker can exploit this flaw remotely to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 9.8, indicating critical severity, with attack vector network, low attack complexity, no privileges required, no user interaction, and full impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows remote code execution with full system impact, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems can be fully compromised.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. No official fix or patch links are provided in the current data. Until a patch is available, restrict network access to affected systems and monitor for suspicious activity related to format string exploitation.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T17:01:20.432Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a877ac3acd9273b49302598
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 22:08:03 UTC
Last enriched: 09/10/2026, 20:32:10 UTC
Last updated: 10/05/2026, 06:48:14 UTC
Views: 44
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