CVE-2026-17171: CWE-59 Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-17171 is a vulnerability in IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1, involving improper resolution of symbolic links before file access. This flaw allows a local attacker to overwrite arbitrary files by exploiting the improper link resolution behavior. The vulnerability has a high severity rating with a CVSS score of 7.8, indicating significant potential impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.8high
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-2026-17171) affects IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It is caused by improper link resolution before file access (CWE-59), which can be exploited by a local attacker to overwrite arbitrary files. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting local attack vector with low complexity and no user interaction required, resulting in high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Potential Impact
A local attacker with the ability to create or manipulate symbolic links can exploit this vulnerability to overwrite arbitrary files on the affected systems. This can lead to unauthorized modification of critical system or application files, potentially resulting in system compromise, data loss, or denial of service.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, restrict local user permissions to prevent unauthorized creation or manipulation of symbolic links and monitor for suspicious local activity related to file operations.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T18:11:28.252Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a877ac5acd9273b493025be
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 22:08:05 UTC
Last enriched: 09/10/2026, 20:02:20 UTC
Last updated: 10/05/2026, 06:48:14 UTC
Views: 43
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