CVE-2021-38988

Name: CVE-2021-38988
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2022-03-07T17:15:07.82+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

MEDIUMCVSS 5.5/10EPSS 0.21%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-38988 is a medium-severity vulnerability rated 5.5/10 on the CVSS scale. IBM AIX 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, and VIOS 3.1 could allow a non-privileged local user to exploit a vulnerability in the AIX kernel to cause a denial of service. IBM X-Force ID: 212950.. EPSS estimates a 0.21% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

IBM AIX 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, and VIOS 3.1 could allow a non-privileged local user to exploit a vulnerability in the AIX kernel to cause a denial of service. IBM X-Force ID: 212950.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

5.5/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

EPSS Probability

0.21%

11.4th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Ibm	Vios	>= 3.1.1, < 3.1.1.60
Ibm	Vios	>= 3.1.2, < 3.1.2.40
Ibm	Vios	>= 3.1.3, < 3.1.3.20
Ibm	Aix	>= 7.1.5.0, <= 7.1.5.32
Ibm	Aix	7.2.4.0
Ibm	Aix	7.2.5.0
Ibm	Aix	7.3.0.0

References

https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/212950VDB Entry, Vendor Advisory
https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/6561281Mitigation, Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/212950VDB Entry, Vendor Advisory
https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/6561281Mitigation, Patch, Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Mar 7, 2022
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-38988?

IBM AIX 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, and VIOS 3.1 could allow a non-privileged local user to exploit a vulnerability in the AIX kernel to cause a denial of service. IBM X-Force ID: 212950.

How severe is CVE-2021-38988?

CVE-2021-38988 has a CVSS score of 5.5/10 (MEDIUM severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.21% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-38988?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2021-38988?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST