CVE-2026-16885

Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete

Stack Buffer Overflow in IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS

Publication date: 2026-08-19

Last updated on: 2026-08-20

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 code due to a stack buffer overflow.

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

Probability:
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Meta Information

Published

2026-08-19

Last Modified

2026-08-20

Generated

2026-09-09

AI Q&A

2026-08-20

EPSS Evaluated

2026-09-07

NVD

CVE-2026-16885

EUVD

EUVD-2026-62864

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-121	A stack-based buffer overflow condition is a condition where the buffer being overwritten is allocated on the stack (i.e., is a local variable or, rarely, a parameter to a function).

Attack-Flow Graph

Executive Summary

This is a stack buffer overflow vulnerability in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1. A remote attacker could exploit this to execute arbitrary code on the affected system.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability involves a stack buffer overflow in IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS systems. Detection requires checking system versions and applying IBM-provided patches. No specific commands are provided in the CVE details for direct detection.

Impact Analysis

An attacker could gain full control of the system, allowing them to install malware, steal data, or disrupt operations. This could lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, or system crashes.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access or data breaches, which may violate compliance requirements under GDPR, HIPAA, or other regulations. Organizations may face legal penalties, fines, or reputational damage.

Mitigation Strategies

Apply IBM's official security patches or updates for AIX 7.2, 7.3, and PowerVM VIOS 4.1 immediately. Isolate affected systems from untrusted networks until patched. Monitor IBM's security advisories for additional guidance.

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