CVE-2026-17163: CWE-770 Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-17163 is a high severity vulnerability affecting IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, as well as IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It involves improper validation of an array size field, which could allow a remote attacker to cause a denial of service by exhausting system resources. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-770, indicating allocation of resources without limits or throttling. No known exploits are reported in the wild, and no official patch or remediation details are provided in the available data.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.5high
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 in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 arises from improper validation of an array size field, leading to uncontrolled allocation of resources. This flaw can be exploited remotely without authentication to cause a denial of service condition by overwhelming system resources. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.5, reflecting high severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, no user interaction, and impact limited to availability. The vulnerability is identified as CWE-770, which concerns allocation of resources without limits or throttling.
Potential Impact
A remote attacker can cause a denial of service on affected IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS systems by exploiting improper validation of an array size field. This results in resource exhaustion, impacting system availability. There is no indication of confidentiality or integrity impact. No known active exploitation has been reported.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Since no patch or official fix information is provided, monitor IBM security advisories for updates. Until a fix is available, consider limiting network exposure of affected systems and applying any recommended temporary mitigations from IBM if published.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T17:56:04.146Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a877ac5acd9273b493025b6
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 22:08:05 UTC
Last enriched: 09/10/2026, 20:17:08 UTC
Last updated: 10/05/2026, 06:48:14 UTC
Views: 40
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