CVE-2026-17157: CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write in IBM AIX
CVE-2026-17157 is a critical vulnerability in IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3 and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 that allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via a stack buffer overflow. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write). It has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8, indicating high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No official patch or remediation information is currently provided by the vendor. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability involves a stack buffer overflow in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1, which could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code. The flaw is categorized under CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write). The CVSS 3.1 score of 9.8 reflects that the attack vector is network-based, requires no privileges or user interaction, and can fully compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems. The vulnerability is publicly disclosed but lacks an official remediation or patch at this time.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS systems, potentially leading to full system compromise. The critical CVSS score indicates severe impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Since no official fix or temporary mitigation is provided, organizations should monitor IBM's advisories closely and apply any updates once available. Until then, consider limiting network exposure of affected systems if feasible.
CVE-2026-17157: CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-17157 is a critical vulnerability in IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3 and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 that allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via a stack buffer overflow. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write). It has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8, indicating high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No official patch or remediation information is currently provided by the vendor. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time.
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 involves a stack buffer overflow in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1, which could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code. The flaw is categorized under CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write). The CVSS 3.1 score of 9.8 reflects that the attack vector is network-based, requires no privileges or user interaction, and can fully compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems. The vulnerability is publicly disclosed but lacks an official remediation or patch at this time.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS systems, potentially leading to full system compromise. The critical CVSS score indicates severe impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Since no official fix or temporary mitigation is provided, organizations should monitor IBM's advisories closely and apply any updates once available. Until then, consider limiting network exposure of affected systems if feasible.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T17:45:41.673Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a877ac3acd9273b493025a4
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 22:08:03 UTC
Last enriched: 08/20/2026, 22:24:09 UTC
Last updated: 08/20/2026, 23:19:39 UTC
Views: 3
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