CVE-2026-18842: CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write in IBM AIX
Description
CVE-2026-18842 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 out-of-bounds write that could allow a local attacker to gain elevated privileges on the affected systems.
CVSS v3.1
Score 8.4high
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-2026-18842) is an out-of-bounds write (CWE-787) in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. The flaw could be exploited by a local attacker to escalate privileges, potentially leading to full control over the affected system. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.4, indicating a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack vector is local, requiring low attack complexity and no user interaction.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows a local attacker to gain elevated privileges, compromising system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This could lead to unauthorized access and control over the affected IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS systems.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. No official fix or patch links are provided at this time. Until a patch is available, restrict local access to trusted users only and monitor for suspicious activity related to privilege escalation attempts.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- ibm
- Date Reserved
- 2026-08-04T14:46:50.774Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a877e39acd9273b493410a2
Added to database: 08/20/2026, 22:22:49 UTC
Last enriched: 09/10/2026, 19:32:57 UTC
Last updated: 10/05/2026, 06:48:14 UTC
Views: 55
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