Remote Command Execution Vulnerability in IBM AIX and PowerVM
CVE-2026-16848

8.8HIGH

Key Information:

Vendor

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

What is CVE-2026-16848?

IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, along with IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1, are susceptible to a vulnerability that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands. This issue arises from inadequate handling of shell metacharacters in DHCP options, which can be leveraged for unauthorized command execution. It is crucial for users to apply the recommended patches to mitigate this security risk.

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:
8.8
Severity:
HIGH
Confidentiality:
High
Integrity:
High
Availability:
High
Attack Vector:
Adjacent Network
Attack Complexity:
Low
Privileges Required:
None
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/).
.