CVE-2026-17142: CWE-287 Improper Authentication in IBM AIX
CVE-2026-17142 is a critical vulnerability in IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, as well as IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1, involving improper authentication that could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary commands without privileges or user interaction.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability (CWE-287) affects IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It allows a remote attacker to bypass authentication controls, leading to the execution of arbitrary commands on the affected systems. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 9.8, indicating critical severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, no user interaction, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No official remediation or patch information is currently provided by IBM, and no known exploits are reported in the wild.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation could result in full system compromise, including unauthorized command execution, leading to complete loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released, restrict network access to affected systems and monitor for suspicious activity related to authentication bypass attempts.
CVE-2026-17142: CWE-287 Improper Authentication in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-17142 is a critical vulnerability in IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, as well as IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1, involving improper authentication that could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary commands without privileges or user interaction.
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
This vulnerability (CWE-287) affects IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It allows a remote attacker to bypass authentication controls, leading to the execution of arbitrary commands on the affected systems. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 9.8, indicating critical severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, no user interaction, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No official remediation or patch information is currently provided by IBM, and no known exploits are reported in the wild.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation could result in full system compromise, including unauthorized command execution, leading to complete loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released, restrict network access to affected systems and monitor for suspicious activity related to authentication bypass attempts.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T17:18:10.637Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a877ac3acd9273b4930259e
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 22:08:03 UTC
Last enriched: 08/20/2026, 22:38:18 UTC
Last updated: 08/20/2026, 23:19:24 UTC
Views: 3
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