CVE-2026-18835: CWE-78 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection') in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-18835 is a critical OS command injection vulnerability in IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It allows a remote authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary commands due to improper neutralization of special elements in OS commands. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 9.9, indicating high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
CVSS v3.1
Score 9.9critical
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-2026-18835) affects IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It arises from improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, enabling a remote authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the affected systems. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 9.9, with attack vector network, low attack complexity, requiring privileges and no user interaction, and it impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability with high severity.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary OS commands, potentially leading to full system compromise including unauthorized disclosure, modification, or destruction of data and disruption of system availability.
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
- 2026-08-04T14:32:10.769Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a877e39acd9273b4934109e
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 22:22:49 UTC
Last enriched: 09/10/2026, 19:46:54 UTC
Last updated: 10/05/2026, 06:48:14 UTC
Views: 102
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