CVE-2026-16869

Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete

Improper Environment Variable Handling in IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS

Publication date: 2026-08-19

Last updated on: 2026-08-22

Assigner: IBM Corporation

Description

IBM AIX 7.2, and 7.3 and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 could allow a local attacker to execute arbitrary code due to improperly scrubbed environment variables.

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

Probability:
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Meta Information

Published

2026-08-19

Last Modified

2026-08-22

Generated

2026-09-09

AI Q&A

2026-08-20

EPSS Evaluated

2026-09-07

NVD

CVE-2026-16869

EUVD

EUVD-2026-62755

Affected Vendors & Products

Vendor	Product	Version / Range
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)
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)

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE

KEV

CWE ID	Description
CWE-426	The product searches for critical resources using an externally-supplied search path that can point to resources that are not under the product's direct control.

Attack-Flow Graph

Executive Summary

This vulnerability in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 allows a local attacker to execute arbitrary code. It occurs because environment variables are not properly scrubbed, meaning sensitive data or malicious inputs could remain and be exploited.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability involves improperly scrubbed environment variables in IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS. Detection requires checking for untrusted environment variable handling in system processes. No specific commands are provided in the available context.

Impact Analysis

If exploited, this vulnerability could let an attacker run unauthorized code on your system. This may lead to data theft, system damage, or unauthorized access to sensitive information, depending on the attacker's goals.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access or data breaches, which may violate compliance requirements like GDPR or HIPAA. Organizations might face legal penalties or reputational damage if such incidents occur due to inadequate security measures.

Mitigation Strategies

Apply IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS security patches or updates as soon as they become available to address improper environment variable scrubbing.

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