CVE-2026-18840: CWE-822 Untrusted Pointer Dereference in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-18840 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, as well as IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It involves an untrusted pointer dereference due to improper validation of attacker-controlled pointers, which could allow a local attacker with high privileges to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 score of 8.2, indicating significant impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No vendor patch or remediation information is currently provided.
CVSS v3.1
Score 8.2high
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, identified as CWE-822 (Untrusted Pointer Dereference), exists in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. It allows a local attacker with high privileges to execute arbitrary code by exploiting improper validation of pointers controlled by the attacker. The CVSS 3.1 vector (AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H) reflects that the attack requires local access with high privileges but can fully compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution by a local attacker with high privileges, resulting in complete compromise of the affected system's confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. No official fix or workaround information is provided at this time.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-08-04T14:42:20.244Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a877e39acd9273b493410a0
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 22:22:49 UTC
Last enriched: 09/10/2026, 19:33:02 UTC
Last updated: 10/05/2026, 06:48:14 UTC
Views: 47
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