CVE-2026-17168: CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-17168 is a high-severity vulnerability in IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It involves a stack-based buffer overflow that could allow a remote authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability requires low privileges and no user interaction but has a high attack complexity. It impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability with a scope change. No patch information is provided in the source data.
CVSS v3.1
Score 8.5high
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 (CVE-2026-17168) is a stack-based buffer overflow (CWE-787) affecting IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It allows a remote attacker with authentication and low privileges to execute arbitrary code remotely. The CVSS 3.1 score is 8.5, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with a scope change. The attack complexity is high, and no user interaction is required. No vendor advisory or patch information is provided in the input data.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation could lead to remote code execution with high impact on system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attacker must be authenticated with low privileges, and the attack complexity is high. The vulnerability affects core IBM AIX operating systems and virtualization infrastructure (PowerVM VIOS).
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. No official patch or workaround information is provided in the available data.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T18:05:41.033Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a877ac5acd9273b493025ba
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 22:08:05 UTC
Last enriched: 09/10/2026, 20:16:58 UTC
Last updated: 10/05/2026, 06:48:14 UTC
Views: 28
Community Reviews
0 reviewsCrowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.
Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.
Actions
Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.
External Links
Need more coverage?
Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.
For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.
Latest Threats
Check if your credentials are on the dark web
Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.