Description
IBM AIX 7.2, and 7.3 and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code due to an integer overflow.
Published: 2026-08-19
Score: 9.8 Critical
EPSS: < 1% Very Low
KEV: No
Impact: n/a
Action: n/a
AI Analysis

Impact

A remote attacker can trigger an integer overflow in IBM AIX 7.2 and 7.3 or IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1, allowing execution of arbitrary code. The flaw stems from a CWE‑190 integer overflow condition and can compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability by giving the attacker full control over the affected system.

Affected Systems

IBM AIX 7.2 and 7.3 systems are vulnerable; corrective action requires applying the corresponding service packs—AIX 7.3 TL04 SP2, AIX 7.3 TL03 SP3, AIX 7.3 TL02 SP5, or AIX 7.2 TL05 SP13—based on the installed tier. IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 users must install the relevant fix packs: VIOS 4.1.2 4.1.2.20, VIOS 4.1.1 4.1.1.30, or VIOS 4.1.0 4.1.0.50.

Risk and Exploitability

The CVSS score of 9.8 classifies this vulnerability as critical, and the lack of an EPSS score does not diminish the immediacy of the threat. The vulnerability is exploitable remotely over the network, and there is no indication that local privileges are required. While the vulnerability is not listed in the CISA KEV catalog, the high severity and remote nature demand prompt remediation.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on August 20, 2026 at 11:29 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

  • Download and apply the latest AIX service pack or PowerVM VIOS fix pack from Fix Central, following IBM’s install instructions
  • Reboot the affected LPAR after the update to complete the patch, unless using Live Update on AIX to avoid a reboot
  • If using VIOS 4.1.0 or 4.1.1, run the post‑update migration steps to upgrade to Postgres15 as documented by IBM

Generated by OpenCVE AI on August 20, 2026 at 11:29 UTC.

Tracking

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Advisories

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History

Thu, 20 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 20:15:00 +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 execute arbitrary code due to an integer overflow.
Title Vulnerabilities in IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS
First Time appeared Ibm
Ibm aix
Ibm powervm Vios
Weaknesses CWE-190
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': 9.8, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H'}

Subscriptions

Ibm Aix Powervm Vios Vios
cve-icon MITRE

Status: PUBLISHED

Assigner: ibm

Published:

Updated: 2026-08-20T15:20:26.107Z

Reserved: 2026-07-24T06:51:32.376Z

Link: CVE-2026-16917

cve-icon Vulnrichment

No data.

cve-icon NVD

Status : Analyzed

Published: 2026-08-19T20:17:11.493

Modified: 2026-08-20T16:17:15.433

Link: CVE-2026-16917

cve-icon Redhat

No data.

cve-icon OpenCVE Enrichment

Updated: 2026-08-20T11:30:16Z

Weaknesses
  • CWE-190

    Integer Overflow or Wraparound