CVE-2026-16821
HIGHCVSS 7.8/10EPSS 0.10%
Last modified
CVE-2026-16821 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. IBM AIX 7.2, and 7.3 and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 could allow a local attacker to gain elevated privileges due to a format string vulnerability.. EPSS estimates a 0.10% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.
Description
IBM AIX 7.2, and 7.3 and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 could allow a local attacker to gain elevated privileges due to a format string vulnerability.
Metrics
Weakness Enumeration
Affected Software
| Vendor | Product | Versions |
|---|---|---|
| Ibm | Aix | >= 7.2.5.0, <= 7.2.5.212 |
| Ibm | Aix | >= 7.3.2, <= 7.3.2.5 |
| Ibm | Aix | >= 7.3.3, <= 7.3.3.2 |
| Ibm | Aix | >= 7.3.4, <= 7.3.4.1 |
| Ibm | Vios | >= 4.1.0, < 4.1.0.50 |
| Ibm | Vios | >= 4.1.1, < 4.1.1.30 |
| Ibm | Vios | >= 4.1.2.0, < 4.1.2.20 |
References
- https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7283858Patch, Vendor Advisory
Timeline
- Published
- Last Modified
- Status
- Analyzed
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CVE-2026-16821?
IBM AIX 7.2, and 7.3 and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 could allow a local attacker to gain elevated privileges due to a format string vulnerability.
How severe is CVE-2026-16821?
CVE-2026-16821 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.10% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
How do I fix CVE-2026-16821?
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.
How Strix Helps
- How Strix found a critical auth bypass in etcdStrix autonomously discovered a critical authentication bypass in etcd, later designated CVE-2026-33413.
- Autonomous PentestingAI agents that find and validate exploitable vulnerabilities like this one across your applications.
- PR ReviewsPentest every pull request so vulnerable code is caught before it ships to production.
- AI Penetration TestingHow AI-driven penetration testing continuously covers your attack surface.
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Are you affected by CVE-2026-16821?
Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.
Scan your code nowSource: NVD / NIST