Remote Command Execution Vulnerability in IBM AIX and VIOS
CVE-2025-36251

9.6CRITICAL

Key Information:

Vendor: IBM
Status: Aix; ViOS
Vendor: CVE Published:; 13 November 2025

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📈 Score: 261📰 News Worthy

What is CVE-2025-36251?

CVE-2025-36251 is a remote command execution vulnerability affecting IBM's AIX (Advanced Interactive eXecutive) operating system versions 7.2 and 7.3, as well as the Virtual I/O Server (VIOS) versions 3.1 and 4.1. This flaw arises from improper process controls in the nimsh service's SSL/TLS implementations, which can enable remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on vulnerable systems. The potential for command execution elevates the risk for organizations utilizing these systems, as it can lead to unauthorized access, data manipulation, and potentially devastating security breaches. This vulnerability expands on risks initially identified in a previous vulnerability, CVE-2024-56347, suggesting there may be underlying issues in the design or implementation of these services that have yet to be fully addressed.

Potential impact of CVE-2025-36251

Unauthorized Remote Access: Attackers can exploit the command execution capability to gain unauthorized control over affected systems, allowing them to manipulate system settings, access sensitive data, or execute malicious payloads.
Data Integrity and Confidentiality Risks: The ability to run commands remotely puts the integrity and confidentiality of stored data at significant risk. Malicious actors could alter or steal sensitive information, leading to data breaches or compliance violations.
Operational Disruption: Successful exploitation could result in operational disruptions, as compromised systems may be used to launch further attacks within an organization's network or to perform denial-of-service actions, affecting business continuity.