CVE-2026-18840: CWE-822 Untrusted Pointer Dereference in IBM AIX
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 improper validation of an attacker-controlled pointer, which could allow a local attacker with high privileges to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-822 (Untrusted Pointer Dereference). There is no official patch or remediation level currently provided by the vendor. No known exploits are reported in the wild at this time.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 arises from improper validation of a pointer controlled by an attacker. This flaw could enable a local attacker with high privileges to execute arbitrary code, potentially compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.2, indicating high severity, with attack vector local, low attack complexity, high privileges required, no user interaction, and scope changed. The vulnerability is identified as CWE-822 (Untrusted Pointer Dereference). There is currently no vendor-provided patch or official remediation guidance.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows a local attacker with high privileges to execute arbitrary code, leading to full compromise of the affected system's confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This could result in unauthorized control over the system and potentially disrupt operations or leak sensitive information.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, restrict local access to trusted users only and monitor for suspicious activity. Follow IBM's security advisories for updates on patches or mitigations.
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 improper validation of an attacker-controlled pointer, which could allow a local attacker with high privileges to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-822 (Untrusted Pointer Dereference). There is no official patch or remediation level currently provided by the vendor. No known exploits are reported in the wild at this time.
CVSS v3.1
Score 8.2high
Affected software
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 a pointer controlled by an attacker. This flaw could enable a local attacker with high privileges to execute arbitrary code, potentially compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.2, indicating high severity, with attack vector local, low attack complexity, high privileges required, no user interaction, and scope changed. The vulnerability is identified as CWE-822 (Untrusted Pointer Dereference). There is currently no vendor-provided patch or official remediation guidance.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows a local attacker with high privileges to execute arbitrary code, leading to full compromise of the affected system's confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This could result in unauthorized control over the system and potentially disrupt operations or leak sensitive information.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, restrict local access to trusted users only and monitor for suspicious activity. Follow IBM's security advisories for updates on patches or mitigations.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-08-04T14:42:20.244Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a877e39acd9273b493410a0
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 22:22:49 UTC
Last enriched: 08/20/2026, 22:37:49 UTC
Last updated: 08/21/2026, 01:07:47 UTC
Views: 4
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