Local Code Execution Vulnerability in IBM AIX and PowerVM Products
CVE-2026-16869

7.8HIGH

Key Information:

Vendor

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

What is CVE-2026-16869?

A vulnerability has been identified in IBM AIX versions 7.2 and 7.3, as well as IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1, where local attackers could exploit improperly scrubbed environment variables to execute arbitrary code. If exploited, this could lead to significant security breaches, enabling unauthorized access or control over affected systems. Users and administrators are urged to review the security advisory and apply the necessary patches to mitigate the risk associated with 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:
7.8
Severity:
HIGH
Confidentiality:
High
Integrity:
High
Availability:
High
Attack Vector:
Local
Attack Complexity:
Low
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/).
.