Unauthenticated code execution via stack buffer overflow
Published Aug 19, 2026 · Updated Aug 20, 2026
Out-of-bounds write in IBM AIX 7.2 and 7.3 and PowerVM VIOS 4.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via adjacent networks. IBM identifies a stack buffer overflow but does not disclose the affected component, packet format, or operation that writes beyond the buffer. No authentication or user interaction is required, but the attacker must reach the target from an adjacent network; successful exploitation permits arbitrary code execution.
Summary
What happened
Out-of-bounds write in IBM AIX 7.2 and 7.3 and PowerVM VIOS 4.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via adjacent networks. IBM identifies a stack buffer overflow but does not disclose the affected component, packet format, or operation that writes beyond the buffer. No authentication or user interaction is required, but the attacker must reach the target from an adjacent network; successful exploitation permits arbitrary code execution.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2026-16841
- Published
- Aug 19, 2026
- Updated
- Aug 20, 2026
- Vendor
- IBM
- Product
- AIX
- Classifications
- CWE-787
- Attack vector
- adjacent
- Privileges
- unauthenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Aug 19, 2026CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Aug 20, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.
- Affected versionversion=7.2
- Affected versionversion=7.3
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.
Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
No public exploit references are available in this record.
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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