Format String Vulnerability in IBM AIX and PowerVM Products
CVE-2026-16821

7HIGH

Key Information:

Vendor

IBM
Status
Aix
Powervm ViOS
Vendor
CVE Published:
28 August 2026

What is CVE-2026-16821?

A format string vulnerability in IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, as well as IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1, can be exploited by a local attacker to execute malicious code with elevated privileges. This security flaw allows unauthorized users to gain access to restricted areas of the system, posing significant security risks if not addressed. Users are encouraged to apply the latest patches and updates as detailed in IBM's advisory to mitigate this vulnerability.

Affected Version(s)

AIX 7.2

AIX 7.3

PowerVM VIOS 4.1

References

https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7283858
vendor-advisorypatch

CVSS V3.1

Score:
7
Severity:
HIGH
Confidentiality:
High
Integrity:
High
Availability:
High
Attack Vector:
Local
Attack Complexity:
High
Privileges Required:
Low
User Interaction:
None
Scope:
Unchanged

Timeline

  • Vulnerability published

  • Vulnerability Reserved

Credit

CVE-2026-14970, CVE-2026-15061, CVE-2026-15078, CVE-2026-15065, CVE-2026-15068 were reported to IBM by Oneconsult AG (https://oneconsult.com/).
.