CVE-2026-16848
Received Received - Intake

Remote Code Execution in IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS via DHCP Options

Publication date: 2026-08-19

Last updated on: 2026-08-19

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 shell metacharacters in DHCP options.

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

Probability:
Percentile:

Meta Information

Published
2026-08-19
Last Modified
2026-08-19
Generated
2026-08-20
AI Q&A
2026-08-19
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-16848
EUVD
EUVD-2026-62742

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 3 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
ibm aix From 7.2 (inc)
ibm aix From 7.3 (inc)
ibm powervm_vios From 4.1 (inc)

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE
CWE Icon
KEV
KEV Icon
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

AI Quick Actions

Instant insights powered by AI
Executive Summary

This vulnerability in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary commands. It occurs due to improper neutralization of shell metacharacters in DHCP options, meaning malicious input could bypass security controls and run unauthorized commands on affected systems.

Impact Analysis

An attacker could exploit this to gain control over your system, steal data, install malware, or disrupt operations. Since it involves DHCP options, attackers might need network access to trigger the flaw, but successful exploitation could lead to severe consequences like data breaches or system compromise.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access or data breaches, violating GDPR (data protection) and HIPAA (health data privacy). Non-compliance may result in legal penalties, fines, or reputational damage due to exposed sensitive information.

Mitigation Strategies

Apply IBM-provided patches or updates for AIX 7.2, 7.3, and PowerVM VIOS 4.1 to address improper neutralization of shell metacharacters in DHCP options. Disable or restrict DHCP options handling if not required.

Chat Assistant

Ask questions about this CVE
Hi! I’m here to help you understand CVE-2026-16848. Ask me anything about the vulnerability, its impact, or mitigation strategies.
0/70

EPSS Chart