Description
IBM AIX 7.2, and 7.3 and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 could allow a remote attacker to disclose kernel memory due to an out-of-bounds read.
Published: 2026-08-19
Score: 5.3 Medium
EPSS: < 1% Very Low
KEV: No
Impact: n/a
Action: n/a
AI Analysis

Impact

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to perform an out‑of‑bounds read and disclose kernel memory contents. This out‑of‑bounds read (CWE‑125) can leak sensitive data stored in memory, leading to a compromise of confidentiality. The flaw does not grant code execution or broader system access, but the exposure of privileged information remains a serious risk.

Affected Systems

IBM AIX 7.2 and 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 are affected by this issue.

Risk and Exploitability

The CVSS score of 5.3 indicates a medium severity. EPSS is not available, and the vulnerability is not listed in the CISA KEV catalog, suggesting it is not a widespread or currently exploited flaw. Though the advisory states a remote attacker can disclose kernel memory, the exact remote attack vector is not fully detailed; the presence of APARs and service pack fixes confirms the issue is actionable.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on August 20, 2026 at 12:19 UTC.

Remediation

Vendor Solution

A.  APARS IBM has assigned the following APARs to this problem: AIX LevelAPARAvailability  SPKEY7.2.5IJ5956608/14/2026SP13key_w_apar7.3.2IJ5956508/14/2026SP05key_w_apar7.3.3IJ5956408/14/2026SP03key_w_apar7.3.4IJ59563 08/14/2026SP02key_w_apar VIOS LevelAPARAvailability SPKEY4.1.0IJ5956508/14/20264.1.0.50key_w_apar4.1.1IJ5956408/14/20264.1.1.30key_w_apar4.1.2IJ5956308/14/20264.1.2.20key_w_apar B.  FIXES IBM strongly recommends addressing the vulnerability now.  AIX and VIOS fixes are available and can be downloaded from Fix Central: https://www.ibm.com/support/fixcentral  An LPAR reboot is required to complete the SP/FP update. On AIX, Live Update can be used to avoid a reboot.  IBM has assigned the following AIX Service Packs (SPs) and VIOS Fix Packs (FPs) as the remediation levels for the published vulnerabilities. AIX Level Service PackAIX 7.3 TL04SP2AIX 7.3 TL03SP3AIX 7.3 TL02SP5AIX 7.2 TL05 SP13 PowerVM VIOS LevelFix PackVIOS 4.1.2 4.1.2.20VIOS 4.1.1 4.1.1.30VIOS 4.1.0  4.1.0.50 Note: These SPs/FPs are cumulative and include fixes for all previously published AIX/VIOS security vulnerabilities. They can be applied on top of any earlier affected level of the TL . Note: To apply these patches using nimsh secure, special steps must be taken as the protocol between master and client is updated to be more secure. Please read this article: https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7283157 Note: For VIOS 4.1.0 and VIOS 4.1.1, additional steps are required to migrate to the latest Postgres15 after applying the 4.1.1.30 or 4.1.0.50 FPs above. Instructions to do that can be found here:                             4.1.0.50 post-update instructions: https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7283819           4.1.1.30 post-update instructions: https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7283823

OpenCVE Recommended Actions

  • Apply the IBM Service Packs for AIX (SP2 for AIX 7.3 TL04, SP3 for AIX 7.3 TL03, SP5 for AIX 7.3 TL02, SP13 for AIX 7.2 TL05) or the corresponding VIOS Fix Packs (4.1.2.20 for VIOS 4.1.2, 4.1.1.30 for VIOS 4.1.1, 4.1.0.50 for VIOS 4.1.0) downloaded from IBM Fix Central.
  • For AIX, use Live Update to avoid a full LPAR reboot; otherwise reboot the LPAR after the patch is installed to complete the service pack or fix pack application.
  • After applying the VIOS 4.1.0 or 4.1.1 patches, follow IBM’s post‑update instructions to migrate to Postgres15, as detailed on the IBM support pages.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on August 20, 2026 at 12:19 UTC.

Tracking

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Advisories

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History

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
First Time appeared Ibm vios
CPEs cpe:2.3:a:ibm:vios:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:ibm:aix:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Vendors & Products Ibm vios

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 19:30:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Description IBM AIX 7.2, and 7.3 and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 could allow a remote attacker to disclose kernel memory due to an out-of-bounds read.
Title Vulnerabilities in IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS
First Time appeared Ibm
Ibm aix
Ibm powervm Vios
Weaknesses CWE-125
CPEs cpe:2.3:a:ibm:aix:7.2.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:ibm:aix:7.2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:ibm:aix:7.3.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:ibm:aix:7.3:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:ibm:powervm_vios:4.1.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:ibm:powervm_vios:4.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Vendors & Products Ibm
Ibm aix
Ibm powervm Vios
References
Metrics cvssV3_1

{'score': 5.3, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N'}

Subscriptions

Ibm Aix Powervm Vios Vios
cve-icon MITRE

Status: PUBLISHED

Assigner: ibm

Published:

Updated: 2026-08-20T15:26:34.243Z

Reserved: 2026-07-24T02:42:43.163Z

Link: CVE-2026-16833

cve-icon Vulnrichment

No data.

cve-icon NVD

Status : Analyzed

Published: 2026-08-19T20:17:04.083

Modified: 2026-08-24T15:54:38.897

Link: CVE-2026-16833

cve-icon Redhat

No data.

cve-icon OpenCVE Enrichment

Updated: 2026-08-20T12:30:05Z

Weaknesses