CVE-2026-16844

Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete

Remote Code Execution in IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS

Publication date: 2026-08-19

Last updated on: 2026-08-24

Assigner: IBM Corporation

Description

IBM AIX 7.2, and 7.3 and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary commands due to improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command.

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

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Meta Information

Published

2026-08-19

Last Modified

2026-08-24

Generated

2026-09-09

AI Q&A

2026-08-20

EPSS Evaluated

2026-09-07

NVD

CVE-2026-16844

EUVD

EUVD-2026-62733

Affected Vendors & Products

Vendor	Product	Version / Range
ibm	aix	From 7.2.5 (inc) to 7.2.5.212 (inc)
ibm	aix	From 7.3.2 (inc) to 7.3.2.5 (inc)
ibm	aix	From 7.3.3 (inc) to 7.3.3.2 (inc)
ibm	aix	From 7.3.4 (inc) to 7.3.4.1 (inc)
ibm	vios	From 4.1.0 (inc) to 4.1.0.50 (exc)
ibm	vios	From 4.1.1.0 (inc) to 4.1.1.30 (exc)
ibm	vios	From 4.1.2.0 (inc) to 4.1.2.20 (exc)

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE

KEV

CWE ID	Description
CWE-78	The product constructs all or part of an OS command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended OS command when it is sent to a downstream component.

Attack-Flow Graph

Executive Summary

This vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. It occurs due to improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, meaning the system fails to properly filter or sanitize input that could be used to inject malicious commands.

Detection Guidance

Detection requires checking for vulnerable versions of IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, or IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. Use system commands like oslevel -s for AIX or ioslevel for VIOS to verify versions. Compare against IBM advisories for patch status.

Impact Analysis

An attacker could exploit this to take control of the affected system, steal data, install malware, or disrupt operations. Systems running IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, or IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 are at risk if exposed to untrusted networks.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, violating GDPR and HIPAA requirements for data protection and confidentiality. Organizations may face compliance penalties if exploited.

Mitigation Strategies

Apply IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS security patches or updates as soon as they become available. Isolate affected systems from untrusted networks until patched. Monitor IBM PSIRT advisories for official fixes and workarounds.

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