CVE-2026-17138: CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-17138 is a high-severity stack-based buffer overflow 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 on the affected systems without requiring user interaction. The vulnerability is due to improper handling of buffer boundaries in the affected software versions.
CVSS v3.1
Score 8.1high
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, identified as CWE-121 (stack-based buffer overflow), exists in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by exploiting a stack-based buffer overflow condition. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.1, indicating high severity, with attack vector network (AV:N), high attack complexity (AC:H), no privileges required (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), and impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). No patch or remediation information is provided in the source data.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to remote code execution with full impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems. This could allow attackers to take control of the system remotely without any user interaction or privileges.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Since no official patch or workaround information is provided, it is recommended to monitor IBM's official security advisories for updates and apply any available fixes promptly once released.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T17:06:35.053Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a877ac3acd9273b4930259a
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 22:08:03 UTC
Last enriched: 09/10/2026, 20:32:05 UTC
Last updated: 10/05/2026, 06:48:14 UTC
Views: 38
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